The community of Norwood, North Carolina, is in deep mourning following the tragic passing of Jewell Anslee Efird, a beloved four-year-old girl who brought joy and light to everyone she met. Jewell was received into Jesus’ arms on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Her sudden departure has left her family and the entire community in profound sorrow, struggling to come to terms with the loss of such a young and vibrant life.
Jewell Anslee Efird was born on July 26, 2019, to Daniel and Melissa Gardin Efird of Cabarrus County. Jewell’s presence was a beacon of joy and laughter from the moment she entered the world. She was known for her radiant smile and her ability to bring happiness to those around her. A 2024 graduate of Wee Care, Jewell had just begun her journey in life, showing remarkable curiosity and an infectious zest for learning and exploration.
The Efird family has been a cornerstone of the Norwood community, and Jewell’s passing has been felt deeply by many. Jewell’s sister, Hagan Efird, shared a special bond with her, filled with playful moments and sisterly love. The two were inseparable, often seen giggling together and engaging in their little adventures. Jewell’s laughter was common in their household, filling it with warmth and joy.
Jewell’s paternal grandparents, Rickey and Sonya Efird, and her maternal grandparents, David and Eva Gardin, cherished every moment spent with their granddaughter. Jewell could light up a room, and her visits were always eagerly anticipated. Her great-grandparents, Viola Lovejoy and Alma Broadway, held her in their arms with pride, seeing in her the continuation of their family’s legacy.
The funeral services for Jewell Anslee Efird will take place at Silver Springs Baptist Church on Sunday, May 26, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. Pastor Dusty Laney and Rev. Mark Little will preside over the ceremony, and burial will follow in the church cemetery. Before the service, the family will host friends from 1:30 to 3:00, allowing the community to come together in remembrance and support. The outpouring of love and sympathy from friends, family, and neighbours is a testament to Jewell’s impact on those around her.
Jewell is survived by her parents, Daniel and Melissa Efird, and her sister, Cheyenne Efird, who will always remember her with deep love and affection. Her extended family, including her aunts, uncles, and numerous cousins, adored her and will forever carry her memory in their hearts. The loss of Jewell has created a void that will never be filled, but her spirit and the joy she brought to life will continue to inspire all who knew her.
In addition to her immediate family, Jewell leaves behind her grandparents, Tony and Carmia Poplin, Charles and Sandra Tucker, and Jimmy and Donna Weatherholt, as well as a large extended family that includes aunts and uncles Danyelle and Chris Wing, Dusty and Holly Efird, Jamie and Jennifer Vanhoy, and Tyler Gardin. Jewell’s cousins, including TJ Blalock (Jessica), Dylan Blalock, Denver Blalock (Kendall), Justin Vanhoy, Destiny Blackwelder, Austin Blackwelder, and Addison Frick, all shared many cherished moments with her.
The Efird family has expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the Stanly County Sheriff’s Office, Aquadale Volunteer Fire Department, Stanly EMS, Stanly 911, and Center Rural Fire & Rescue for their support and assistance during this incredibly difficult time. The community’s response has been overwhelming, providing the family with the strength and comfort to navigate their grief.
Though short, Jewell’s life was filled with love, laughter, and an undeniable spirit. Her memory will forever be etched in the hearts of those who knew her. As the community gathers to celebrate her life and mourn her passing, there is a collective sense of loss and a profound appreciation for the joy she brought into the world. Jewell’s legacy is one of pure, innocent happiness, a reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
As the Efird family moves forward, they do so with the support of a community that stands with them in their grief. The memory of Jewell Anslee Efird will continue to shine brightly, a beacon of hope and love that will guide her family and friends through the darkest times. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved her, a testament to a life that, though brief, was incredibly meaningful.
Rest in peace, sweet Jewell. You will be deeply missed, but your light will never be forgotten
