Margaret Faye Brunson Sifford

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Margaret Faye Brunson Sifford, 78, of Salisbury, was transferred from the Church Militant to the Church Triumphant Jan. 2, 2016, at The Laurels of Salisbury, where she had been a resident since August 2014.

Born Oct. 7, 1937, in Clarendon County, "Faye" was the second daughter of the late William Alva Brunson and Margaret Stuckey Brunson.

Faye graduated from Summerton High School in Clarendon County, graduating in 1955. She received her bachelor of science degree in elementary education from Winthrop College in Rock Hill in 1959. Her first teaching position was Bradley Elementary School in Columbia.

Following her marriage to the Rev. Clarence E. Sifford Jr., on Jan. 20, 1961, the couple moved to Davidson County, North Carolina, where she taught at Kern Street Elementary School in Thomasville, North Carolina. She then taught at Silver Valley Elementary School in Davidson County.

In 1964, the family relocated to Cabarrus County, where Faye received her certification as a public school kindergarten teacher from Barber Scotia College. Faye then helped develop and taught at the St. John's Lutheran Church Cabarrus County kindergarten.

In 1973, the family relocated to Lincoln County, North Carolina, where Faye taught kindergarten for 16 years. While in Lincoln County, Faye received her master's degree in education from Lenoir-Rhyne University in Hickory, North Carolina.

The family relocated to Rowan County, North Carolina, in 1990, and Faye taught at Mt. Ulia Elementary and Woodleaf Elementary school.

Faye was preceded in death by her parents; an infant sister; and a son, Jonathan Carl Sifford in 1978.

Those left to cherish her memories include her husband of 54 years, the Rev. Clarence E. Sifford; a daughter, Susan Marie Sifford Edwards and her husband, Kenneth, of Elizabeth City, North Carolina; two sisters, Pauline "Betty" Loadholt of White Rock and Mary Janice Toner of Manning; and a grandson, William Caleb Edwards of Elizabeth City.

Visitation will be held from 12:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, at Faith Lutheran Church's Family Life Center in Faith, North Carolina.

Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2016, following visitation, in the sanctuary of Faith Lutheran Church in Faith. The Rev. Carroll Robinson, minister of Bethel Lutheran Church in Salisbury, North Carolina, and the Rev. Seyward Fletcher, Rowan Hospice chaplain, will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Cross of Christ Lutheran Church cemetery in Concord, North Carolina.

Memorials may be made to the debt reduction fund of Faith Lutheran Church, P.O. Box 669, 205 S. Main St., Faith, NC 28041; or to a charity of one's choice.

Flowers may be sent to Faith Lutheran Church.

Online condolences may be made at www.lyerlyfuneralhome.com.

Lyerly Funeral Home is assisting the Sifford family.