Anna "Neicey" Bernice Forby

     Anna “Neicey” Bernice Forby, age 96 of Cobden, died Saturday, February 28, 2026 at Memorial Hospital of Carbondale surrounded by her family. She was born December 7, 1929 in Cobden, the daughter of James Everett and Clyde Laverne (Messamore) Lamer. She married Homer Lee Forby on March 6, 1948 in Piggott, AR. He preceded her in death on July 29, 2020.

     Neicey is survived by her daughter, Lynn Geske (Hasan Sevim) of Carbondale; son, Jeff (Susan) Forby of Cobden; grandchildren, Emily Dawn (Robert) Gaddis, Travis (Joni) Geske, and Ellen Geske (Caleb Robinson); great-grandchildren, Ryan, Erin, and Ethan Gaddis, Laina and Elise Robinson, and Sabrina Geske; several nephews, other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Homer Lee Forby; one sister, Faye Ballance, and one brother, Stanley Lamer.

     Neicey worked for many years at Choate Mental Health and Development Center in Anna. She was a former member, officer, and treasurer of the Union Congregational Church of Cobden, now known as Southern Range Cowboy Church. She had a giving heart, often donating to charities and local organizations. She was a member of the Union County Historical Society in Cobden. She was also a former member of the Village of Cobden Planning Committee. For many years, Neicey and Homer would take trips on their Gold Wing motorcycle and travel to various conventions, such as the vaseline glass collectors convention.

     Neicey loved gardening. She could spend hours tending to her flowers, and she was especially proud of her annabelles. Neicey also enjoyed painting and listening to country music. Over the years, she has won various awards for her beautiful landscape paintings. She will be dearly missed.

     Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2026 at the Southern Range Cowboy Church in Cobden with Jason Forby officiating. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until the service hour of 1:00 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Union County Historical Society or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at the church and Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home.