Donna Gail (Goforth) Calhoun

Donna Gail Goforth Calhoun of Wake Forest died peacefully on March 20, 2022 at the age of 79 after a long illness. She was caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

Gail was born in Chattanooga, TN on January 22, 1943 to John Goforth and Alyne Shields Goforth. Gail graduated from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and worked for several years as a social worker in the Hamilton County school system. She met the love of her life, Reid Calhoun, at a friend’s wedding. They were partners for 55 years and together they had 3 children, Patrick, George, and John.

Gail was widely known for her bright blue eyes, her quick smile, and her ability to make others comfortable. A deeply kind, generous, and compassionate soul, Gail served as a surrogate mother and grandmother to many. She never met a crying baby that she couldn’t instantly rock to sleep in caring arms.  Her children and grandchildren brought her great joy. She worried about them, cheered for them protected them, and loved them always.

Gail was an active parishioner at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Wake Forest. She is survived by her husband, Reid Calhoun; children Patrick and wife Shelley, George and wife Bridget, John and wife Debra; grandchildren Reid, McRae, Luke, James, Grace and Andrew; her sister Patty Goforth Moy and brother-in-law Lipmon Moy, and nieces Allison Moy Hayhurst, Virginia Moy Daniels, and Lora Moy King

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. John’s Episcopal Church, 834 Durham Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587, the University of Tennessee,
600 Andy Holt Tower Knoxville, TN 37996, or the charity of your choice.

Funeral Services will be held at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Saturday, March 26th at 11AM at the Columbarium. 

The Bright Funeral Home is caring for this family

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