Patricia "Patsy" Cannaday Sledd
Patricia Ann Cannaday Sledd, was finally allowed to leave this earth and join her beloved husband, Maurice Lee Sledd, and be welcomed into the loving arms of GOD forever. She was predeceased by her parents, Julian Melvin and Mary McFarland Cannaday; her brothers, Michael Eugene Cannaday, and Julian M. Cannaday Jr.; and infant daughter: Vickie Leigh Sledd.
Patricia “Patsy” was a 1956 graduate of Jefferson High School and a member of Bethel 17 Job’s Daughters of Melrose Masonic Lodge.
Pat was a Compu-Typer Operator for General Electric Company for 15 years. She was also a Realtor for Young Realty beginning in 1987 and worked there for decades with people who became a second family to her. Pat was a member of the National Association of Realtors, the Virginia Association of Realtors, and the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors. Patricia was also a Curve Bar Girl Scout, and a Brownie Troop Leader for over 10 Years and served as Chairwoman of the Blue Ridge Council of Girl Scouts. Pat also volunteered at the Information Desk at Lewis Gale Hospital Beginning In 1984 and served for more than 25 years. She made wonderful Friendships there. Pat was one of the earliest members of West Salem Baptist Church and was the Outreach Director of the pre-school Where she was affectionately known as the ‘Juice Lady’ for over 40 years. She calmed nervous parents on Child Dedication days and served an Estimated 1300 gallons of apple juice and countless goldfish crackers to the sweet children in the preschool department. Many children and adults at the church didn’t know her actual Name, but all knew ‘The Juice Lady’.
Patricia is survived by her children, Maurice “Maury” Lee, Jr. and Nelda Sledd of Arvada, CO, Mauricia Lynne and Steve E. Smith of Salem, VA, Michael Lane Sledd of Salem, VA; Michelle Lynnette and Steve Pagans of Salem, VA, and Melissa Lee-Ann Sledd Of Vinton, VA; her 6 grandchildren, Shelley Elissa Winterer (Jimmy), Cassie Lynne Smith, Patrick Lee Pagans (Jamie) Sarah-Anne Pagans Parker (Nate), Caleb Michael Sledd (Sarah Kate), and Anna Marie Sledd; and 3 great-grandchildren, Nick, Emily, and Andrew Winterer.
It’s worth noting that Pat wrote this obituary herself many years ago. So, if that first line sounds impatient, it’s because she was.
Pat’s family would like to thank her caregivers at Richfield Living Serenity Cottage, all the staff of Good Samaritan Hospice, and her special caregiver with Care Advantage, Kendra.
You all took such good care of our mother, and we are deeply grateful. We’d also like to thank her neighbors on the hill. She was able to be in her own home much longer because all of you were looking out for her.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem, with Reverend Taylor Plott officiating. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem.
Friends may visit with the family from 4-7 p.m. on Monday, December 18, 2023, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Good Samaritan Hospice, The Rescue Mission, or The Childfund Alliance.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.johnmoakey.com.
