Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
1937 - 2025
1937 - 2025
Obituary
Guest Book
1937
2025
With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Effie Neel Pegram Lawing, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend. Effie had a heart full of love, a spirit full of creativity, and a knack for making something beautiful out of the simplest things. She was a proud mother of two and a cherished granny. She found joy in life’s little treasures—whether that was a great find at the thrift store, a plate of her favorite Chinese food, or the seasonal return of the McRib from McDonald’s. Effie’s talents were endless. She was scrappy and resourceful, always finding ways to create something special, whether through sewing, cake decorating, or any other craft she put her hands to. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she loved Jesus with all her heart. Her legacy lives on in the love she shared, the lessons she taught, and the memories she leaves behind. She will be deeply missed but forever cherished by those who knew and loved her. Effie is preceded in death by her parents, William Wirt Pegram and Pearl Mahilda Beaver Pegram (Who died when Effie was a month old); her husband of 34 years, Wayne Richard Lawing.
Survivors include her beloved daughter, Anne Bame and husband Greg, beloved son, Richard Lawing; wonderful grandchildren, Madeline Branham (Carson), Michael Bame, Hannah Fewell (Nathan), Nathan Lawing, Lily Lawing and Charles Lawing.
Family and friends will gather for visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home. A funeral service will take place at 2:00 p.m. in the chapel at Withers & Whisenant Funeral Home with Pastor Carson Branham and Dr. David Julen officiating. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery, Belmont. Pallbearers will be Joe Simmons, Charles Simmons, Tommy Simmons, Billy Bame, Dean Bolick, Mark Hinson and Mark Winslow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carolina Caring, 39754 Robinson Road, Newton, NC 28658, First Baptist Church of Cramerton, 235 8th Avenue, Cramerton, NC 28032 or East Belmont Baptist Church, 501 East Catawba Street, Belmont, NC 28012. In the meantime, we invite friends and family to share their memories and love in the comments below.
Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC 28054
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreYou may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read moreThese free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read moreSome basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more