Obituary of Forest Gilkerson

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It is with deep sadness that the family of Forest Gilkerson announces his passing. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family on Wednesday, May 10, 2023. While everyone who knew him will miss him here on Earth, he is reunited with his wife Peggy in heaven.

Forest was born in Branchland, West Virginia on September 2, 1928. Born to Leon and Della Gilkerson, he had four brothers and four sisters. His mother was Native American and Forest was always very proud of his lineage, which traced to the Shawnee tribe. As a young man, with coal-black hair, he enlisted in the Army to serve his country. His military service led him to serve in the Korean War. Upon his return from Korea, he met the love of his life - Peggy Vernelle Mayes. It didn’t take him long to change her last name to Gilkerson when they married on April 4, 1958, after only a few short months of dating.

His military service ultimately brought him and Peggy to Northern Virginia where he worked for the D.C. Government and eventually retired from the City of Falls Church. In 1960, Forest and Peggy welcomed their first child, Della. Their son, Ted, completed their family in 1965. 

Della and her husband, Wayne Rogers, made Forest a grandpa with the birth of their children - Steven and Stephanie. Their son Ted soon welcomed his daughter Tabitha and his son Tyler. Forest loved each of his grandchildren and made sure he kept them entertained with all of his life stories and his “mating call”. He was fortunate to also meet his great-grandchildren. Steven married his wife Christina and they welcomed their children, Logan and Hanna. Stephanie married her husband Mitch and they welcomed their children, Henry and Charlotte. Tabitha welcomed three children - Jessi, Omari, and Aria.

Peggy convinced Forest to attend church with her before they were married, and they were devout members ever since. The Dranesville Church of the Brethren became a second home to them and the members of its congregation, a second family.

Forest loved gardening, shopping at Kohl’s on Wednesday, taking drives, playing the slots at Charlestown, being outside, hiking, reading, and word search puzzles - to name a few. He was a caring, passionate, accepting, and loving man who was committed to his country, church, family, and friends.  While his family and friends mourn his presence, they take comfort in knowing he is walking with his Lord and dancing with Peggy.