Trudy Lefler Muse

Trudy was born on February 9, 1935, in Newton, North Carolina, the second of three children born to the late Wade Hampton Lefler and Trudye Chilcoat Lefler.

She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1957, majoring in Physical Education. Trudy began her teaching career at Eastover Elementary School in Charlotte and later taught in the Charlotte City School system. After her family moved to Lilburn, Georgia, she continued her love of education as a substitute teacher for nineteen years. In 1990, Trudy and her family returned home to North Carolina.

Trudy was a devoted member of Denver United Methodist Church and attended the Upper Room Sunday School Class. Her faith, her church family, and the friendships she nurtured throughout her life were deeply meaningful to her.

Above all else, Trudy loved and treasured her family. Her greatest joy could be found in the life she built with Oren, the daughters they raised together, and the grandchildren who brought so much happiness to her life. Family was at the heart of who Trudy was, and the love she gave so freely created a strong and lasting bond that will continue through the generations.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Oren Muse, her loving companion through 61 years of marriage, her sister, LaVerne Lefler, and sister-in-law, Katherine Davis Lefler. The love Trudy and Oren shared across more than six decades remains an enduring part of the family and the life they created together.

Trudy is lovingly remembered by her three daughters, Loren Muse Smith of the home; Shummy Muse of Denver, North Carolina; and Meagan Muse Palmer and her husband, Michael Palmer, of Denver, North Carolina; her brother, Dr. Wade Hampton Lefler Jr. of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; and her four grandchildren, Gardiner Smith and his wife, Emily, of Durham, North Carolina; Sage Smith of Boston, Massachusetts; McCauley Palmer of Seattle, Washington; and Cale Palmer of Atlanta, Georgia. She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews, extended family, dear friends, and the many people whose lives she touched throughout the years.

Trudy leaves behind far more than the story of a life well lived. She leaves the love she gave so generously, the lessons and values she passed along, the traditions she helped create, and a lifetime of memories that her family will carry with them always. Her legacy lives on in her daughters and grandchildren, in the family she cherished so dearly, and in the many lives made richer simply by knowing her. Those who loved Trudy will remember not only the life she lived, but the love she gave. Though her presence will be deeply missed, that love remains, woven into the lives of her family and into the countless memories they shared with her.

Service information will be shared at a later date. Please check back for updated service details.

She will be forever loved, deeply missed, and always remembered. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Trudy’s memory may make a memorial contribution to, the Building Fund at Denver United Methodist Church, The Multiple Sclerosis Society and Carolina Care (Hospice).

Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home of Huntersville, North Carolina, is serving the Muse family. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.KepnerFH.com