Effie Tate Fender, 87, of Valdese passed away on Sunday, October 15, 2023 at Trinity Ridge, following a period of declining health.

Effie was born June 8, 1936 in Burke County to the late John Tate and Zora Belle Small Tate. She was a loving wife, a wonderful mother and grandmother, and a faithful Christian member of Enon Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Delmer Lee “Bud” Fender; son, Randy Lee Fender; and numerous brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her daughter, Debra Fender Young; son, Brent Tate Fender; and grandchildren, Brandi  Young  Barrier and husband Matt, Phillip Fender and wife Rachel, Melissa Fender Pashayan and husband Alex, Lindsey Taylor Fender, and Randy Lee Brown. Also surviving are her great grandchildren, Matthew “Dillon” Barrier, Zophia Glenn, and Annette Louise Pashayan; sisters-in-law, Wanda Fulbright, Charlene Ramsey, and Phyllis Dale; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Enon Baptist Church with Pastor Bruce Piercy officiating. Interment will follow at Burke Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, prior to the service from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at the church.

Memorials may be sent to Enon Baptist Church at 2059 Enon Rd, Valdese, NC 28690.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory in Valdese is assisting the family.