Emily Merle Worley

Emily Merle Norris Worley, age 80, of Whiteville, NC, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 29, 2025, at Shoreland Healthcare & Rehab. Merle was born in Duplin County on November 28, 1944 to the late Rufus Samuel Norris and Evie Louise Miller Norris. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband; Marshal lee Worley and two brothers; Herman L. Norris and Charles E. Norris.

Merle worked for over 40 years as a X-Ray Tech with Columbus County Hospital. She was a member at Whiteville First Baptist Church.

Merle is survived by her daughters; Emily Worley Russ (Edwin) and Sarah Worley Gray (Coke III) both of Whiteville, a sister; Glenda Norris Vinson of Autryville, NC, two granddaughters; Emily Kea Gray and Margaret Marshall Gray and two grandsons; Jackson Worley Cook and John Lawson Cook.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 1:00 pm at Whiteville First Baptist Church with Dr. Fred Senter and Dr. Joe Washburn officiating. Burial will follow at Whiteville Memorial Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 12:45 pm prior to the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Backpack Ministry, Whiteville First Baptist Church, 412 N. Madison Street, Whiteville, NC 28472.

McKenzie Mortuary, 112 Jefferson Street, Whiteville, NC is serving the Worley family.