Merle Joyce Patterson Effler, 81, passed away early Wednesday morning at the Brian Center.

Born in Madisonville, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Luther and Eva Manis Patterson, and the wife of the late Werner Edward Effler.

She was also preceded in death by two sisters and three brothers.

She was a charter member of Love Memorial Baptist Church, and a former volunteer with Meals on Wheels.

Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Love Memorial Baptist Church, with the Rev. Richard Toler officiating. Entombment will follow at Wayne Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home.

She is survived by two sons, William E. "Billy" Effler and wife, Debbie, of Goldsboro and Tom Effler and wife, Polly, of Dudley; two daughters, Jacquien E. Wiggins of Mebane and Carolyn E. Holmes and husband, Bob, of Grantham; a sister, Pauline Watson of Madisonville, Tenn.; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be sent to Love Memorial Baptist Church, 192 Woodland Church Road, Goldsboro, N.C., 27530.

Shumate-Faulk Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Effler family, and online condolences may be directed to www.shumate-faulk.com.

(Pd)

Published in Obituaries on November 15, 2012 1:49 PM