Barbara Sledge Brown passed away peacefully on July 24, 2024, at the age of 87. She was surrounded by her loving family at her home of 48 years.
Barbara was born on August 8, 1936, in Rock Hill to John and Doris “Dolly” Sledge. She attended Rock Hill Schools and graduated from Rock Hill High School where she met the love of her life, Walter Brown. After attempting to elope 3 times, they were married on July 3, 1954. She dedicated her life to nurturing her family and creating a warm and loving home.
Barbara’s greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, whom she adored beyond measure. Her home was always filled with love, laughter, and delicious meals that brought everyone together. It was not uncommon for her home to be filled with 20 or more people on any given Sunday.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her devoted husband, Walter, of 64 years; her sister, Margaret; her son in law, Thomas; and her great granddaughter, Gabby. She is survived by her loving children, Rusty Brown, Anne (Bud) Shaver, Jerry (Jan) Brown, Jeff (Debbie) Brown; her cherished grandchildren, Racheal (Billy), Jonathan (Hollis), Carol (Mike), Kristen (Josh), Emily (Scott), Jacob (Cassie), Katherine (Richmond), Keri (Rob), Caroline (Cameron), Walker, Robie, and Halie (Brandon); 21 great grandchildren; and 10 great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Debbie (Glenn) Miller, and Johnnie (Bobby) Hardee along with her friend-sister Kathy (Gary) Partlow.
To her family, she was Sundays in the kitchen making lunch for the family. She was the call we made to confirm the consistency of the dressing at Thanksgiving before baking it. She was chicken salad and ham salad in Ziploc bags for every family vacation. She was Christmas presents all wrapped underneath her giant tree. She was sunny days spent outside watching her grandchildren play. She was hands-on and always ready for a shopping trip. She was anything that said “new” in the grocery store. She was yellow finches and all things red. She laughed and cussed and played along with all of our crazy family jokes.
The family would like to send a special thanks to the caring staff of Piedmont Medical in Fort Mill, Providence Care Hospice, and others who helped care for her in her final days at home.
The family will receive friends and family at her home 3082 Greenwood Road Rock Hill, SC 29730 on Sunday July 28 from 2-5 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Providence Care Hospice in memory of Barbara.
Barbara’s legacy of love and warmth will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her. We will miss you Gram and life without your smile will never be as bright as before. Love you forever!