Effie Grace Hershberger

Effie Grace Yoder Hershberger, age 76, of Belton, South Carolina, wife of the late Merle Hershberger, entered Heaven September 18, 2026. Grace was born October 29, 1949, in Virginia Beach, Virginia, to the late Clark and Hilda (Payne) Yoder. She moved to South Carolina in 1971. Grace and Merle shared 45 years and five months together before his passing 8½ years ago.

Grace is survived by her son, Jacob (Amy) Hershberger of Abbeville, South Carolina; daughter, Elizabeth (A.J.) Tredway of Anderson, South Carolina; four grandchildren, Stephen Isaac, Jamie Bell, Amelia May, and Christopher Douglas; brother, Roy Yoder of Montezuma, Georgia; sisters, Helen Basler and Melvene Joy Ellison, both of Belton, South Carolina; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Grace and Merle were foster parents for more than 10 years, welcoming over 30 children into their home. Later in life, Grace was a full-time nanny for Tom Troll, and he and his parents, Joe and Heidi, became a special part of her family.

Grace greatly enjoyed the Special Southern Ladies widow group and treasured the friendships and times they shared. An award-winning quilter with a wonderful talent for sewing, Grace loved making quilts and generously giving them away. She also enjoyed tending her iris and daffodil beds.

Grace had a gift for welcoming those without family nearby into her home, where they soon became "family." She loved entertaining and setting a beautiful table for every occasion and season.

Grace was a member of Whispering Pines Mennonite Church in Honea Path, South Carolina. She loved Jesus, and her prayer was that all her family and friends would one day join her in Heaven.

Grace fought a very short battle with pancreatic cancer. Her family is thankful that God answered their prayers and allowed Grace the miracle of no pain during her journey home.

ln addition to her husband and parents, Grace was preceded in death by her stillborn son, Christopher Lee; sisters, Dorothy Gail Hunsberger and Gertrude Yoder; and a grandchild lost to miscarriage in July 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Jamaica Relief Ministries, P.O. Box 436, Fair Play, SC 29643

Harris Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Abbeville is assisting the Hershberger family.