Mt. Holly, North Carolina

Laura “Nina” Rose Forrest  Mackey, 73 passed away peacefully at home on April 23, 2025. She was born on June 20, 1951 in Goldsboro, North Carolina and was the daughter of the late Rose Forrest and William Gordon Forrest.

In Laura’s own words: I was a storyteller, an ole fashioned Southern cook, a basket weaver, and a substitute teacher. From the time I started Mrs. Howel’s kindergarten until I graduated from Ashley High School in 1969, I was called by my nickname, Nina (Forrest) When I was a little girl, I was told that girls don’t work in the woods, so I graduated not only from St. Andrews Presbyterian College (during the wild days) but also got a BS in. Forest Management from NC State and worked as a Service Forrester for NC Forest Service for 7 years during a time when it was still true few women worked in the woods. A strong believer in growing youth leadership positions I helped establish a peer HIV/AIDS education retreat for young people and worked for Measurement Inc, The Red Cross, and Cardea Center for Ourselves. Later in life I enjoyed wearing boho clothes and being a reading “Soul Mate” I hope sometimes I made you smile, Peace of Christ be with you all.

Laura was wife of Carroll Riley Mackey of 44 years, Mother of Emma Mackey Horn and Stephen Riley Mackey, Sister of Edwin Forrest, and Fr. William Forrest OSB. She was cousin to Bob McLean and Martha, Steve, Brad, and Ashley Lentz. She is also survived by many dear loving friends who are considered family. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother TC Forrest.

A Memorial Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Belmont, North Carolina on Saturday, May 3rd at 11:00am with Revs. Emma Horn and Samuel P. Warner officiating. The family will receive friends after the service in the Gathering Area.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Belmont, PO Box 1, Belmont, NC 28012 or Holy Angels, 6600 Wilkinson Blvd., Belmont. NC.

Condolence messages may be sent online at mcleanfuneral.com. McLean Funeral Directors of Gastonia is serving the Mackey family.