Melba Pate Gurley

Melba Pate Gurley, 81, completed her journey home on Saturday, February 17, 2018 to the welcoming words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Melba was born in Wayne County on March 13, 1936 to the late Liston and Norma Pate. She graduated from Pikeville High School in 1954 where she played basketball for many years. Melba had retired from her work with Americal. Melba was a long-time member of Woods Grove Church and was a dedicated and faithful servant her entire life. She had served in the Sunday school office at the church for over 25 years. Melba had a love for sports and for many years she played softball for the church softball team. She will be remembered as an excellent seamstress and was honored with many 4-H awards for her work. Melba will also be remembered by many for her great cooking and for the many people who sought after her wonderful cakes at family and church gatherings. Throughout her life, Melba lived her life with resiliency and a love for life. She faced her obstacles with grace and dignity and with an abiding faith in Jesus Christ. Melba could light up a room with her joyous personality and radiant smile. She was an amazing mother and grandmother to her children and grandchildren. Anyone who knew her knew she could make friends with anyone and was a kind, and loving person to all she met. Melba was blessed to have so many loyal life-long friends as well as family to share her wonderful memories and experiences with over the years. A service to celebrate Melba’s life will be held on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of Woods Grove Church with her pastor, Rev. Barry Teague officiating. The family will greet friends following the service at the church and other times at her home. Interment will be on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. in Wayne Memorial Park. Melba is survived by her husband of 62 years, Edgar Gurley Jr; son, Chris Gurley and wife Michelle of Goldsboro; daughter, Melanie Bishop of Goldsboro; and the apples of her eyes, her granddaughters, Courtney, Morgan, Caroline, and Madison. She is also survived by her sisters, Linda Morgan and husband Ronald and Brenda Wooten and husband Jimmy. Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to Woods Grove Church, 4009 Central Heights Road, Goldsboro, NC 27534 or to Community Home Care and Hospice, 2309 Wayne Memorial Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.