Elsie Whitener Peeler was born May 2, 1916 in Clover, SC to the late Fred Elvan and Gay Ritch Whitener. She was a life-long member of Central United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She received the church's 2005-2006 Laity Service Award given each year to one for sharing unselfishly of their time in the ministry of the church. Elsie served as Circle Chairperson and held offices in her Golden Links Sunday School Class where she was also a pianist. She also served many years with the "Tuesday Lunch Program." She graduated from Shelby High School. She was retired from employment with the Lily Mill office. She loved to play the piano for her own entertainment and for the enjoyment of others. As she said "I play by ear." Any time upon request to play, she would take her seat at the piano bench and in no time her fingers were quickly moving across the keyboard. In addition to her parents Elsie is preceded in death by her husband, Edwin Hugh Peeler, son Michael Peeler and daughter-in-law, Dorothea Reynolds Peeler.

She is survived by five sons; Edwin "Ed" Peeler, Charles and wife Starr Peeler, Tim and wife Sheila Peeler all of Shelby, Joe and wife Irene of Spicewood, TX, and Phil and wife Peggy of Nashville TN and well as her daughter Linda and husband Dean Hendrick of Shelby and daughters-in-law Debbie Peeler of Cherryville and Betty Peeler of Shelby. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, March 4, 2017 at 3 p.m. at Central United Methodist Church with Senior Pastor Danny Leonard officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall and at other times in the home located at 1309 Earl Road, Shelby.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church 200 E. Marion Street, Shelby or Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby. The family would like to give special thanks to Hospice and Helping Hands for taking such good care of our mother.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Peeler