Dateline - Clinton
Rosalind Ward Sledge passed away on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at home surrounded by her family.
She was born in Marianna, FL on December 10, 1935 and was the daughter of the late Robert Herman Ward Sr. and Minnie Lee Cabler Ward. She later moved to Spartanburg, SC and following graduation from Spartanburg High School she returned to Marianna where she was employed by Graham Air Base. There she met and married Lt. Hartwell Kendrick (Ken) Sledge.
After Ken’s tour in the Air Force they returned to the Carolinas living in both Spartanburg and Charlotte. In 1999 they retired to Clinton, SC where Rose became involved in the Carolina Wren Garden Club and the Century Club.
Rose devoted her life to youth and children. She was a caring mother to her four children and several foster children. Rose worked with children and youth in all her churches and volunteered for the Head Start Program with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. The children living at Thornwell were some of those that were dear to her heart, and she enjoyed serving as a mentor there.
As a breast cancer survivor she became a volunteer for cancer support groups in Charlotte and Clinton.
Rose is survived by her husband of 60 years, Ken Sledge; sons James Sledge (Shawn) of Falls Church, VA, Alan Sledge (LuAnne) of Mooresville, NC, a daughter Andrea Kepley (Joel) of Charlotte, NC. She was preceded in death by son Ronald Scott Sledge. Other survivors include grandchildren Kendrick Sledge Torby (Ryan), Emma Sledge, Graham Sledge, Jordan Sledge, Cameron Sledge, Wes Kepley (Victoria), Clay Kepley and Trent Kepley, brother Robert Ward (Dot).
In additions to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother Albert Ward.
The family is most grateful to the caring congregation and staff of First Presbyterian Church and to her healthcare providers, especially Hospice of Laurens County.
Services to be held at First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, SC, Wednesday, May 25, 2 o’clock and at Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC, Thursday, May 26, 2 o’clock.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of Laurens County, PO Box 178, Clinton, SC 29325, Thornwell Home for Children, 302 S. Broad Street, Clinton, SC 29325 or Crisis Assistance Ministries, 500 Spratt Street, Charlotte, NC 28206.
Condolences may be expressed online at
www.grayfuneralhome.com
Gray Funeral Home of Clinton