Margaret Geer Sledge, of Arcadia, La., better known as "Mimi" or "Miss Margaret" to family and friends, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, March 10, 2013. A memorial service celebrating her life will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, at First Baptist Church, in Arcadia, La., with the Rev. Jeff Hoffman officiating. Interment will be at the Arcadia Cemetery at 9:30 a.m.
Margaret was born on May 22, 1924, in Augusta, Ga., to William Frederick Geer and Ida Fuller Geer, the only daughter in a family of four children. After attending Augusta Junior College and Bessie Tift College, she followed her brother to Baylor University in Waco, where she graduated with a degree in religion. Following God's call to ministry, she attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, where she graduated with a Master's of Religious Education degree with a specialization in Early Childhood Education.
After seminary, Margaret moved to Ruston, La., in 1949 to begin the first weekday kindergarten program at First Baptist Church. On June 16, 1950, in Augusta, Ga., she married her "Honey," H. Rupert Sledge, Bienville Parish Clerk of Court. They built a home in Arcadia and had three children together; Sharlande, Jimmy, and Kathy. She lived in Arcadia for over 62 years.
Her education and experience in Christian education have been invaluable gifts to First Baptist, Arcadia, where she modeled excellence in children's ministry to generations of teachers, parents, and children. For many years, Margaret taught preschool Sunday School, directed Vacation Bible School, and took children to camp. Her church recognized her gifts and dedicated the Children's Resource Library in her honor.
Through commitment to the Missions Committee at her church, leadership in the Bienville Baptist Association, service on the Board of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and full participation in Woman's Missionary Union from the local to national level, Margaret was a link from her church to the world. Her vocation has always been Christian service. She has nurtured that gift in others, from preschoolers to senior adults, beginning with Sunbeams, World Friends, and Girls Auxiliary. In recent years she taught Sunday School at Arcadia Manor and Willow Ridge nursing homes. She mentored and encouraged dozens of younger ministers and missionaries as they serve at home and around the world.
Margaret was known for her giving and loving heart and her lively spirit. She was "salt and light" and "a little bit of sugar." With her gifts of genuine encouragement and welcome, she endeared herself to everyone she met. She shared the love of her Savior with each person in her path. This may have been through "love gifts," a sparkling smile, or the blessing of her testimony. Hundreds of lives have been touched and changed forever because of the love of God they experienced through Margaret Sledge. She will live in the hearts and minds of her loved ones forever.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, H. Rupert Sledge; her parents; and her older brother, William Dudley Geer.
She is survived by her three children, Sharlande Elizabeth Sledge of Waco, Jimmy Sledge and wife, Sandee, of Ruston, La.,; and Kathy Sledge Watson and husband, Monty, of Austin; three grandsons, Andy Watson and wife, Tori, of Atlanta, Ga., JJ Sledge of Ruston, La., and Adam Watson of Austin; one great-granddaughter, Brooke Watson of Atlanta; two brothers, Calvin Geer and Robert Geer of Augusta, Ga.; nine nieces and nephews, John Geer, Debbie Wilke, Margaret Roland, David Geer, Jim Geer, Sam Geer, Paul Geer, Fred Geer, and Anne McBath.
Margaret was known for her giving and loving heart. She shared the love of her Savior with everyone she met. This may have been through "love gifts," a smile or the sharing of her testimony. She will remain in the hearts and minds of her loved ones forever.
The family would like to thank the staffs of the Bienville Wellness Complex, St. Francis Medical Center, Pafford EMS, and Glenview Regional Medical Center for their help in caring for Mimi over the last week.
Memorials may be given to the Children's and Missions Ministries at First Baptist Church, Arcadia, 2249 Hazel Street, Arcadia, LA 71001; Pine Cove Christian Camps, Attention: Summer Camp Scholarships, P.O. 9055, Tyler, TX 75711-9055; or Shalom Children's Center (Ghana), Lake Shore Baptist Church, 5801 Bishop Drive, Waco, TX 76710.
Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia, La., (318) 263-2094
Published in The Shreveport Times, Shreveport, LA, Tuesday, March 12th and Wednesday, March 13th; The Ruston Daily Leader, Ruston, LA, Tuesday, March 12th; The Waco Tribune, Waco, TX, Wednesday, March 13th; and The Bienville Democrat, Arcadia, LA, Thursday, March 14th.
_____________
Margaret Sledge Named Heritage Award Recipient
from: The Bienville Democrat," Arcadia, LA, Thursday, March 29, 2012, p. 1:
This year's Arcadia/Bienville Parish Chamber of Commerce Heritage Award recipient is Margaret Geer Sledge of Arcadia.
Margaret was welcomed to Arcadia in 1950 when she married Bienville Parish Clerk of Court, H. Rupert Sledge. For the past 62 years, she has returned the gift of hospitality to countless others.
A native of Augusta, Georgia, Margaret graduated from Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where she received a master's degree in religious education. As one of the first class of seminary student to pursue a specialization in early childhood education, Margare came to Louisiana in 1949 to direct the weekday nursery-kindergarten program at First Baptist Church, Ruston.
Her education and experience in Christian education have been invaluable gifts to First Baptist Church, Arcadia, where she has followed her calling to model good children's ministry to several generations of teachers, parents, and children. For many years, Margaret taught preschool Sunday School, directed Vacation Bible School, took children to camp, and provided resources and training.
Through commitment to the Missions Committee at her church, leadership in the Bienville Baptist Association, serve on the Board of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and full participation in Woman's Missionary Union from the local to national level, Margaret has been a link from her church to the world. Her vocation has been Christian service. She has nurtured that gift in others, from preschoolers to senior adults, beginning with Sunbeams, World Friends, and Girls Auxiliary. In recent years she taught Sunday School at Arcadia Manor and Willow Ridge nursing homes. She continues to mentor and encourage dozens of younger ministers and missionaries as they serve here at home and around the world.
Her husband, Rupert Sledge, was elected to twelve four-year terms as Clerk of Court, from 1940 until his retirement in 1988. A native of Castor who moved to Arcadia at the age of twelve, Rupert was a deputy clerk until 1939, when his father died, and the Govenor appointed Rupert to serve as Clerk. Many of the relationships throughout the parish that they still continue for Margaret. She is also grateful for the good friendships she's developed through Inter Nos, Fidele, and Literature clubs.
Margaret and Rupert's three children grew up in Arcadia. Sharlande is Associate Pastor of Lake Shore Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, Jimmy is a Certified Professional Landman, who lives in Ruston; he and his wife, Sandee McKean Sledge, have one son, Josh. Kathy lives in Austin, Texas, and teaches third grade in Round Rock I.S.D.; She is married to Rev. Monty Watson, also of Arcadia, and they have two sons, Adam and Andy, who is married to Tori. They have a daughter, Brooke.
_________________
Honoree Cuts Ceremonial Ribbon (Picture)
from: The Bienville Democrat, Arcadia, LA, prob. Thursday, August 23, 2001
Mrs. Margaret Sledge cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the official opening of First Baptist Church, Arcadia's renovated Children's Building Sunday afternoon [August 19, 2001]. Mrs. Sledge was recipient of a special honor at the event. In addition to a special plaque, the church has named the Resource Room in the building, "The Margaret Sledge Resource Room" in honor of her 50 years of service at First Baptist Church in the Children's Ministry. Looking on are from left, Frank Leon, Rupert Sledge, Delaine Pearson, Barbara Nutt, (Mrs. Sledge), Curtis McCrary, Elaine Gaudet, Ray Dean Smith, and at right, Church pastor, Jeff Hoffman, with youngsters Justin and Collin Perritt. In the background is Billy Nutt.
_________________
Speech from ceremony re-opening the Children's Building and the Margaret Sledge Room First Baptist Church, Arcadia, LA - August 19, 2001
by:
Margaret Sledge has always had a love for children, and for fifty-one years the primary focus of her ministry has been First Baptist Church, Arcadia.
A native of Augusta, Georgia, Margaret graduated from Baylor University. In January 1949 she earned her Master of Religious Education degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where she was one of the first students to specialize in early childhood education. In September of that year she began the first church nursery/kindergarten in Louisiana at First Baptist Church, Ruston. In June 1950 she married Rupert Sledge and they began their ministry together which still continues today, August 19, 2001.
Margaret has always been greatly involved in preschool and children's departments - teaching four and five -year-olds in the Beginner Sunday School Department for many years until "Beginners" and "Primaries" were re-named "Preschoolers" and "Children;" leading Sunbeams, World Friends, and Girls Auxiliary and later Girls in Action and Mission Friends; directing Vacation bible Schools; coordinating extended session; serving on the board for the Childcare Center; overseeing the preschool departments in the areas of vision, outreach, teaching materials, and training teachers; and taking children to camp. at Tall Timers and Camp. Harris.
Margaret is an invaluable resource for First Baptist Church, Arcadia, for she connects its children and mission organizations to the world through the Bienville Baptist Association, the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and the Woman's Missionary Union of the Southern Baptist Convention.
She has introduced several generations of children from First Baptist, Arcadia, to children of the world by inviting missionaries to come tell their stories. Today one of the ways she is called to help. boys and girls of First Baptist Church, Arcadia, give to children in other countries is through the Samaritan's Purse International, which gives children caught in war-torn or economically desperate countries shoe boxes of school supplies, socks, toothbrushes and toys.
Wherever she goes, Margaret Sledge is thinking about ways to introduce preschoolers and children to God. She is always on the search for beautiful books about Jesus, family #ilies, friends, and God's world for their rooms at church. When she meets someone for the first time, she wants to make sure their children have a church home.
Margaret has a contagious spirit and love of preschoolers and children. the ripples of her influence spread into the world through those she has taught who are now teaching their own children and the children of others. Today someone is singing "L-O-V-E Love" or saying "A friend loves at all times" because they first learned the words from her. Many lives have been touched and changed forever because of the love of God they have experienced through Margaret Sledge.
________________
Introduction to girls missionary luncheon
by , 2004
Mrs. Margaret Sledge is our very special guest today. She was born in Augusta, Georgia, almost 80 years ago (her birthday will be May 22.) Mrs. Sledge graduated from both Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Seminary - a lot of schooling for a young lady then. After getting her formal education, "Mrs. Margaret" as she is known to many, began working at First Baptist Church here in Ruston. She was hired as the children's coordinator, and she began the very first church kindergarten program. Then she met Mr. H. Rupert Sledge from Arcadia and fell in love. Mr. Rupert was a wonderful man who was elected in Bienville Parish as Clerk of Court, and Mrs. Margaret was his helper and loving wife until the day he passed away. Together they raised 3 children - Sharlande, Jimmy, and Kathy. Mrs. Margaret also has 3 grandchildren, one of them - Josh Sledge - is attending Cedar Creek for the first time this year.
In addition to being a wife and mother, Mrs. Sledge has always been active in her community, working in the Literature Club, Internos Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. She and Mr. Rupert really loved Louisiana Tech and the Lady Techsters. They attended so many games that the Techsters were nearly another family to them.
But Mrs. Margaret's love has always been with missions and with children. She has been the leader for missions in her church, leading and directing the missions groups for small children, girls, young ladies, and women. She has worked at the state level in Alexandria with the WMU groups, and was the WMU Director at First Baptist Church in Arcadia longer than anyone else in the church's history. It has been Mrs. Margaret who would say, "It is time for us to have a special banquet for the young girls and their dads. Let's invite this missionary and his daughter to be our speakers." Or "Let's have a tea party next week for all the moms and their daughters. We could invite this missionary lady who is home in Louisiana for a while. She'll have so many interesting things to tell us." Mrs. Margaret has been the inspiration and driving force behind many Christians learning about and becoming involved in missions all over the world.
As you can see, Mrs. Sledge is a very educated woman with a lot of talents. But Mrs. Letlow invited her here to speak to you today because.....of....her.....heart. Mrs. Sledges heart overflows with kindness, consideration, and thoughtfulness for others. She stays extremely busy doing nice things for others. She spends lots of her time and money sending out letters and cards to people to celebrate their birthdays and anniversaries, but -- more importantly -- to encourage or to praise people. If she hears you sing in a program, she will write you a note saying what a pleasure it was to be there. If she passes you in the grocery store and you look sad, she will write you a card saying she hopes you know that God loves you and will answer your prayers. If a new baby is born, she will be the first one to give that family a book like Good Night, Moon so that reading to the child will become a nightly ritual. When a little girl has a birthday, Mrs. Margaret might give her a little tea set so the girl can begin learning table manners. Whenever there is a wedding or a big party, she asks for the leftover flower decorations, takes them home, rearranges them into lots of small vases, and takes them to people who are sick at home or in the nursing homes. Her eyes are always looking for ways that she can be helpful to someone else. ....... That's what manners are all about..... That is why Mrs. Margaret Sledge has been invited to speak to you today.
Margaret was born on May 22, 1924, in Augusta, Ga., to William Frederick Geer and Ida Fuller Geer, the only daughter in a family of four children. After attending Augusta Junior College and Bessie Tift College, she followed her brother to Baylor University in Waco, where she graduated with a degree in religion. Following God's call to ministry, she attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, where she graduated with a Master's of Religious Education degree with a specialization in Early Childhood Education.
After seminary, Margaret moved to Ruston, La., in 1949 to begin the first weekday kindergarten program at First Baptist Church. On June 16, 1950, in Augusta, Ga., she married her "Honey," H. Rupert Sledge, Bienville Parish Clerk of Court. They built a home in Arcadia and had three children together; Sharlande, Jimmy, and Kathy. She lived in Arcadia for over 62 years.
Her education and experience in Christian education have been invaluable gifts to First Baptist, Arcadia, where she modeled excellence in children's ministry to generations of teachers, parents, and children. For many years, Margaret taught preschool Sunday School, directed Vacation Bible School, and took children to camp. Her church recognized her gifts and dedicated the Children's Resource Library in her honor.
Through commitment to the Missions Committee at her church, leadership in the Bienville Baptist Association, service on the Board of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and full participation in Woman's Missionary Union from the local to national level, Margaret was a link from her church to the world. Her vocation has always been Christian service. She has nurtured that gift in others, from preschoolers to senior adults, beginning with Sunbeams, World Friends, and Girls Auxiliary. In recent years she taught Sunday School at Arcadia Manor and Willow Ridge nursing homes. She mentored and encouraged dozens of younger ministers and missionaries as they serve at home and around the world.
Margaret was known for her giving and loving heart and her lively spirit. She was "salt and light" and "a little bit of sugar." With her gifts of genuine encouragement and welcome, she endeared herself to everyone she met. She shared the love of her Savior with each person in her path. This may have been through "love gifts," a sparkling smile, or the blessing of her testimony. Hundreds of lives have been touched and changed forever because of the love of God they experienced through Margaret Sledge. She will live in the hearts and minds of her loved ones forever.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, H. Rupert Sledge; her parents; and her older brother, William Dudley Geer.
She is survived by her three children, Sharlande Elizabeth Sledge of Waco, Jimmy Sledge and wife, Sandee, of Ruston, La.,; and Kathy Sledge Watson and husband, Monty, of Austin; three grandsons, Andy Watson and wife, Tori, of Atlanta, Ga., JJ Sledge of Ruston, La., and Adam Watson of Austin; one great-granddaughter, Brooke Watson of Atlanta; two brothers, Calvin Geer and Robert Geer of Augusta, Ga.; nine nieces and nephews, John Geer, Debbie Wilke, Margaret Roland, David Geer, Jim Geer, Sam Geer, Paul Geer, Fred Geer, and Anne McBath.
Margaret was known for her giving and loving heart. She shared the love of her Savior with everyone she met. This may have been through "love gifts," a smile or the sharing of her testimony. She will remain in the hearts and minds of her loved ones forever.
The family would like to thank the staffs of the Bienville Wellness Complex, St. Francis Medical Center, Pafford EMS, and Glenview Regional Medical Center for their help in caring for Mimi over the last week.
Memorials may be given to the Children's and Missions Ministries at First Baptist Church, Arcadia, 2249 Hazel Street, Arcadia, LA 71001; Pine Cove Christian Camps, Attention: Summer Camp Scholarships, P.O. 9055, Tyler, TX 75711-9055; or Shalom Children's Center (Ghana), Lake Shore Baptist Church, 5801 Bishop Drive, Waco, TX 76710.
Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia, La., (318) 263-2094
Published in The Shreveport Times, Shreveport, LA, Tuesday, March 12th and Wednesday, March 13th; The Ruston Daily Leader, Ruston, LA, Tuesday, March 12th; The Waco Tribune, Waco, TX, Wednesday, March 13th; and The Bienville Democrat, Arcadia, LA, Thursday, March 14th.
_____________
Margaret Sledge Named Heritage Award Recipient
from: The Bienville Democrat," Arcadia, LA, Thursday, March 29, 2012, p. 1:
This year's Arcadia/Bienville Parish Chamber of Commerce Heritage Award recipient is Margaret Geer Sledge of Arcadia.
Margaret was welcomed to Arcadia in 1950 when she married Bienville Parish Clerk of Court, H. Rupert Sledge. For the past 62 years, she has returned the gift of hospitality to countless others.
A native of Augusta, Georgia, Margaret graduated from Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where she received a master's degree in religious education. As one of the first class of seminary student to pursue a specialization in early childhood education, Margare came to Louisiana in 1949 to direct the weekday nursery-kindergarten program at First Baptist Church, Ruston.
Her education and experience in Christian education have been invaluable gifts to First Baptist Church, Arcadia, where she has followed her calling to model good children's ministry to several generations of teachers, parents, and children. For many years, Margaret taught preschool Sunday School, directed Vacation Bible School, took children to camp, and provided resources and training.
Through commitment to the Missions Committee at her church, leadership in the Bienville Baptist Association, serve on the Board of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and full participation in Woman's Missionary Union from the local to national level, Margaret has been a link from her church to the world. Her vocation has been Christian service. She has nurtured that gift in others, from preschoolers to senior adults, beginning with Sunbeams, World Friends, and Girls Auxiliary. In recent years she taught Sunday School at Arcadia Manor and Willow Ridge nursing homes. She continues to mentor and encourage dozens of younger ministers and missionaries as they serve here at home and around the world.
Her husband, Rupert Sledge, was elected to twelve four-year terms as Clerk of Court, from 1940 until his retirement in 1988. A native of Castor who moved to Arcadia at the age of twelve, Rupert was a deputy clerk until 1939, when his father died, and the Govenor appointed Rupert to serve as Clerk. Many of the relationships throughout the parish that they still continue for Margaret. She is also grateful for the good friendships she's developed through Inter Nos, Fidele, and Literature clubs.
Margaret and Rupert's three children grew up in Arcadia. Sharlande is Associate Pastor of Lake Shore Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, Jimmy is a Certified Professional Landman, who lives in Ruston; he and his wife, Sandee McKean Sledge, have one son, Josh. Kathy lives in Austin, Texas, and teaches third grade in Round Rock I.S.D.; She is married to Rev. Monty Watson, also of Arcadia, and they have two sons, Adam and Andy, who is married to Tori. They have a daughter, Brooke.
_________________
Honoree Cuts Ceremonial Ribbon (Picture)
from: The Bienville Democrat, Arcadia, LA, prob. Thursday, August 23, 2001
Mrs. Margaret Sledge cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the official opening of First Baptist Church, Arcadia's renovated Children's Building Sunday afternoon [August 19, 2001]. Mrs. Sledge was recipient of a special honor at the event. In addition to a special plaque, the church has named the Resource Room in the building, "The Margaret Sledge Resource Room" in honor of her 50 years of service at First Baptist Church in the Children's Ministry. Looking on are from left, Frank Leon, Rupert Sledge, Delaine Pearson, Barbara Nutt, (Mrs. Sledge), Curtis McCrary, Elaine Gaudet, Ray Dean Smith, and at right, Church pastor, Jeff Hoffman, with youngsters Justin and Collin Perritt. In the background is Billy Nutt.
_________________
Speech from ceremony re-opening the Children's Building and the Margaret Sledge Room First Baptist Church, Arcadia, LA - August 19, 2001
by:
Margaret Sledge has always had a love for children, and for fifty-one years the primary focus of her ministry has been First Baptist Church, Arcadia.
A native of Augusta, Georgia, Margaret graduated from Baylor University. In January 1949 she earned her Master of Religious Education degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where she was one of the first students to specialize in early childhood education. In September of that year she began the first church nursery/kindergarten in Louisiana at First Baptist Church, Ruston. In June 1950 she married Rupert Sledge and they began their ministry together which still continues today, August 19, 2001.
Margaret has always been greatly involved in preschool and children's departments - teaching four and five -year-olds in the Beginner Sunday School Department for many years until "Beginners" and "Primaries" were re-named "Preschoolers" and "Children;" leading Sunbeams, World Friends, and Girls Auxiliary and later Girls in Action and Mission Friends; directing Vacation bible Schools; coordinating extended session; serving on the board for the Childcare Center; overseeing the preschool departments in the areas of vision, outreach, teaching materials, and training teachers; and taking children to camp. at Tall Timers and Camp. Harris.
Margaret is an invaluable resource for First Baptist Church, Arcadia, for she connects its children and mission organizations to the world through the Bienville Baptist Association, the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and the Woman's Missionary Union of the Southern Baptist Convention.
She has introduced several generations of children from First Baptist, Arcadia, to children of the world by inviting missionaries to come tell their stories. Today one of the ways she is called to help. boys and girls of First Baptist Church, Arcadia, give to children in other countries is through the Samaritan's Purse International, which gives children caught in war-torn or economically desperate countries shoe boxes of school supplies, socks, toothbrushes and toys.
Wherever she goes, Margaret Sledge is thinking about ways to introduce preschoolers and children to God. She is always on the search for beautiful books about Jesus, family #ilies, friends, and God's world for their rooms at church. When she meets someone for the first time, she wants to make sure their children have a church home.
Margaret has a contagious spirit and love of preschoolers and children. the ripples of her influence spread into the world through those she has taught who are now teaching their own children and the children of others. Today someone is singing "L-O-V-E Love" or saying "A friend loves at all times" because they first learned the words from her. Many lives have been touched and changed forever because of the love of God they have experienced through Margaret Sledge.
________________
Introduction to girls missionary luncheon
by , 2004
Mrs. Margaret Sledge is our very special guest today. She was born in Augusta, Georgia, almost 80 years ago (her birthday will be May 22.) Mrs. Sledge graduated from both Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Seminary - a lot of schooling for a young lady then. After getting her formal education, "Mrs. Margaret" as she is known to many, began working at First Baptist Church here in Ruston. She was hired as the children's coordinator, and she began the very first church kindergarten program. Then she met Mr. H. Rupert Sledge from Arcadia and fell in love. Mr. Rupert was a wonderful man who was elected in Bienville Parish as Clerk of Court, and Mrs. Margaret was his helper and loving wife until the day he passed away. Together they raised 3 children - Sharlande, Jimmy, and Kathy. Mrs. Margaret also has 3 grandchildren, one of them - Josh Sledge - is attending Cedar Creek for the first time this year.
In addition to being a wife and mother, Mrs. Sledge has always been active in her community, working in the Literature Club, Internos Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. She and Mr. Rupert really loved Louisiana Tech and the Lady Techsters. They attended so many games that the Techsters were nearly another family to them.
But Mrs. Margaret's love has always been with missions and with children. She has been the leader for missions in her church, leading and directing the missions groups for small children, girls, young ladies, and women. She has worked at the state level in Alexandria with the WMU groups, and was the WMU Director at First Baptist Church in Arcadia longer than anyone else in the church's history. It has been Mrs. Margaret who would say, "It is time for us to have a special banquet for the young girls and their dads. Let's invite this missionary and his daughter to be our speakers." Or "Let's have a tea party next week for all the moms and their daughters. We could invite this missionary lady who is home in Louisiana for a while. She'll have so many interesting things to tell us." Mrs. Margaret has been the inspiration and driving force behind many Christians learning about and becoming involved in missions all over the world.
As you can see, Mrs. Sledge is a very educated woman with a lot of talents. But Mrs. Letlow invited her here to speak to you today because.....of....her.....heart. Mrs. Sledges heart overflows with kindness, consideration, and thoughtfulness for others. She stays extremely busy doing nice things for others. She spends lots of her time and money sending out letters and cards to people to celebrate their birthdays and anniversaries, but -- more importantly -- to encourage or to praise people. If she hears you sing in a program, she will write you a note saying what a pleasure it was to be there. If she passes you in the grocery store and you look sad, she will write you a card saying she hopes you know that God loves you and will answer your prayers. If a new baby is born, she will be the first one to give that family a book like Good Night, Moon so that reading to the child will become a nightly ritual. When a little girl has a birthday, Mrs. Margaret might give her a little tea set so the girl can begin learning table manners. Whenever there is a wedding or a big party, she asks for the leftover flower decorations, takes them home, rearranges them into lots of small vases, and takes them to people who are sick at home or in the nursing homes. Her eyes are always looking for ways that she can be helpful to someone else. ....... That's what manners are all about..... That is why Mrs. Margaret Sledge has been invited to speak to you today.
Margaret Geer Sledge, of Arcadia, La., better known as "Mimi" or "Miss Margaret" to family and friends, went home to be with her Lord on Sunday, March 10, 2013. A memorial service celebrating her life will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 13, at First Baptist Church, in Arcadia, La., with the Rev. Jeff Hoffman officiating. Interment will be at the Arcadia Cemetery at 9:30 a.m.
Margaret was born on May 22, 1924, in Augusta, Ga., to William Frederick Geer and Ida Fuller Geer, the only daughter in a family of four children. After attending Augusta Junior College and Bessie Tift College, she followed her brother to Baylor University in Waco, where she graduated with a degree in religion. Following God's call to ministry, she attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, where she graduated with a Master's of Religious Education degree with a specialization in Early Childhood Education.
After seminary, Margaret moved to Ruston, La., in 1949 to begin the first weekday kindergarten program at First Baptist Church. On June 16, 1950, in Augusta, Ga., she married her "Honey," H. Rupert Sledge, Bienville Parish Clerk of Court. They built a home in Arcadia and had three children together; Sharlande, Jimmy, and Kathy. She lived in Arcadia for over 62 years.
Her education and experience in Christian education have been invaluable gifts to First Baptist, Arcadia, where she modeled excellence in children's ministry to generations of teachers, parents, and children. For many years, Margaret taught preschool Sunday School, directed Vacation Bible School, and took children to camp. Her church recognized her gifts and dedicated the Children's Resource Library in her honor.
Through commitment to the Missions Committee at her church, leadership in the Bienville Baptist Association, service on the Board of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and full participation in Woman's Missionary Union from the local to national level, Margaret was a link from her church to the world. Her vocation has always been Christian service. She has nurtured that gift in others, from preschoolers to senior adults, beginning with Sunbeams, World Friends, and Girls Auxiliary. In recent years she taught Sunday School at Arcadia Manor and Willow Ridge nursing homes. She mentored and encouraged dozens of younger ministers and missionaries as they serve at home and around the world.
Margaret was known for her giving and loving heart and her lively spirit. She was "salt and light" and "a little bit of sugar." With her gifts of genuine encouragement and welcome, she endeared herself to everyone she met. She shared the love of her Savior with each person in her path. This may have been through "love gifts," a sparkling smile, or the blessing of her testimony. Hundreds of lives have been touched and changed forever because of the love of God they experienced through Margaret Sledge. She will live in the hearts and minds of her loved ones forever.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, H. Rupert Sledge; her parents; and her older brother, William Dudley Geer.
She is survived by her three children, Sharlande Elizabeth Sledge of Waco, Jimmy Sledge and wife, Sandee, of Ruston, La.,; and Kathy Sledge Watson and husband, Monty, of Austin; three grandsons, Andy Watson and wife, Tori, of Atlanta, Ga., JJ Sledge of Ruston, La., and Adam Watson of Austin; one great-granddaughter, Brooke Watson of Atlanta; two brothers, Calvin Geer and Robert Geer of Augusta, Ga.; nine nieces and nephews, John Geer, Debbie Wilke, Margaret Roland, David Geer, Jim Geer, Sam Geer, Paul Geer, Fred Geer, and Anne McBath.
Margaret was known for her giving and loving heart. She shared the love of her Savior with everyone she met. This may have been through "love gifts," a smile or the sharing of her testimony. She will remain in the hearts and minds of her loved ones forever.
The family would like to thank the staffs of the Bienville Wellness Complex, St. Francis Medical Center, Pafford EMS, and Glenview Regional Medical Center for their help in caring for Mimi over the last week.
Memorials may be given to the Children's and Missions Ministries at First Baptist Church, Arcadia, 2249 Hazel Street, Arcadia, LA 71001; Pine Cove Christian Camps, Attention: Summer Camp Scholarships, P.O. 9055, Tyler, TX 75711-9055; or Shalom Children's Center (Ghana), Lake Shore Baptist Church, 5801 Bishop Drive, Waco, TX 76710.
Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia, La., (318) 263-2094
Published in The Shreveport Times, Shreveport, LA, Tuesday, March 12th and Wednesday, March 13th; The Ruston Daily Leader, Ruston, LA, Tuesday, March 12th; The Waco Tribune, Waco, TX, Wednesday, March 13th; and The Bienville Democrat, Arcadia, LA, Thursday, March 14th.
_____________
Margaret Sledge Named Heritage Award Recipient
from: The Bienville Democrat," Arcadia, LA, Thursday, March 29, 2012, p. 1:
This year's Arcadia/Bienville Parish Chamber of Commerce Heritage Award recipient is Margaret Geer Sledge of Arcadia.
Margaret was welcomed to Arcadia in 1950 when she married Bienville Parish Clerk of Court, H. Rupert Sledge. For the past 62 years, she has returned the gift of hospitality to countless others.
A native of Augusta, Georgia, Margaret graduated from Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where she received a master's degree in religious education. As one of the first class of seminary student to pursue a specialization in early childhood education, Margare came to Louisiana in 1949 to direct the weekday nursery-kindergarten program at First Baptist Church, Ruston.
Her education and experience in Christian education have been invaluable gifts to First Baptist Church, Arcadia, where she has followed her calling to model good children's ministry to several generations of teachers, parents, and children. For many years, Margaret taught preschool Sunday School, directed Vacation Bible School, took children to camp, and provided resources and training.
Through commitment to the Missions Committee at her church, leadership in the Bienville Baptist Association, serve on the Board of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and full participation in Woman's Missionary Union from the local to national level, Margaret has been a link from her church to the world. Her vocation has been Christian service. She has nurtured that gift in others, from preschoolers to senior adults, beginning with Sunbeams, World Friends, and Girls Auxiliary. In recent years she taught Sunday School at Arcadia Manor and Willow Ridge nursing homes. She continues to mentor and encourage dozens of younger ministers and missionaries as they serve here at home and around the world.
Her husband, Rupert Sledge, was elected to twelve four-year terms as Clerk of Court, from 1940 until his retirement in 1988. A native of Castor who moved to Arcadia at the age of twelve, Rupert was a deputy clerk until 1939, when his father died, and the Govenor appointed Rupert to serve as Clerk. Many of the relationships throughout the parish that they still continue for Margaret. She is also grateful for the good friendships she's developed through Inter Nos, Fidele, and Literature clubs.
Margaret and Rupert's three children grew up in Arcadia. Sharlande is Associate Pastor of Lake Shore Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, Jimmy is a Certified Professional Landman, who lives in Ruston; he and his wife, Sandee McKean Sledge, have one son, Josh. Kathy lives in Austin, Texas, and teaches third grade in Round Rock I.S.D.; She is married to Rev. Monty Watson, also of Arcadia, and they have two sons, Adam and Andy, who is married to Tori. They have a daughter, Brooke.
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Honoree Cuts Ceremonial Ribbon (Picture)
from: The Bienville Democrat, Arcadia, LA, prob. Thursday, August 23, 2001
Mrs. Margaret Sledge cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the official opening of First Baptist Church, Arcadia's renovated Children's Building Sunday afternoon [August 19, 2001]. Mrs. Sledge was recipient of a special honor at the event. In addition to a special plaque, the church has named the Resource Room in the building, "The Margaret Sledge Resource Room" in honor of her 50 years of service at First Baptist Church in the Children's Ministry. Looking on are from left, Frank Leon, Rupert Sledge, Delaine Pearson, Barbara Nutt, (Mrs. Sledge), Curtis McCrary, Elaine Gaudet, Ray Dean Smith, and at right, Church pastor, Jeff Hoffman, with youngsters Justin and Collin Perritt. In the background is Billy Nutt.
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Speech from ceremony re-opening the Children's Building and the Margaret Sledge Room First Baptist Church, Arcadia, LA - August 19, 2001
by:
Margaret Sledge has always had a love for children, and for fifty-one years the primary focus of her ministry has been First Baptist Church, Arcadia.
A native of Augusta, Georgia, Margaret graduated from Baylor University. In January 1949 she earned her Master of Religious Education degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where she was one of the first students to specialize in early childhood education. In September of that year she began the first church nursery/kindergarten in Louisiana at First Baptist Church, Ruston. In June 1950 she married Rupert Sledge and they began their ministry together which still continues today, August 19, 2001.
Margaret has always been greatly involved in preschool and children's departments - teaching four and five -year-olds in the Beginner Sunday School Department for many years until "Beginners" and "Primaries" were re-named "Preschoolers" and "Children;" leading Sunbeams, World Friends, and Girls Auxiliary and later Girls in Action and Mission Friends; directing Vacation bible Schools; coordinating extended session; serving on the board for the Childcare Center; overseeing the preschool departments in the areas of vision, outreach, teaching materials, and training teachers; and taking children to camp. at Tall Timers and Camp. Harris.
Margaret is an invaluable resource for First Baptist Church, Arcadia, for she connects its children and mission organizations to the world through the Bienville Baptist Association, the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and the Woman's Missionary Union of the Southern Baptist Convention.
She has introduced several generations of children from First Baptist, Arcadia, to children of the world by inviting missionaries to come tell their stories. Today one of the ways she is called to help. boys and girls of First Baptist Church, Arcadia, give to children in other countries is through the Samaritan's Purse International, which gives children caught in war-torn or economically desperate countries shoe boxes of school supplies, socks, toothbrushes and toys.
Wherever she goes, Margaret Sledge is thinking about ways to introduce preschoolers and children to God. She is always on the search for beautiful books about Jesus, family #ilies, friends, and God's world for their rooms at church. When she meets someone for the first time, she wants to make sure their children have a church home.
Margaret has a contagious spirit and love of preschoolers and children. the ripples of her influence spread into the world through those she has taught who are now teaching their own children and the children of others. Today someone is singing "L-O-V-E Love" or saying "A friend loves at all times" because they first learned the words from her. Many lives have been touched and changed forever because of the love of God they have experienced through Margaret Sledge.
________________
Introduction to girls missionary luncheon
by , 2004
Mrs. Margaret Sledge is our very special guest today. She was born in Augusta, Georgia, almost 80 years ago (her birthday will be May 22.) Mrs. Sledge graduated from both Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Seminary - a lot of schooling for a young lady then. After getting her formal education, "Mrs. Margaret" as she is known to many, began working at First Baptist Church here in Ruston. She was hired as the children's coordinator, and she began the very first church kindergarten program. Then she met Mr. H. Rupert Sledge from Arcadia and fell in love. Mr. Rupert was a wonderful man who was elected in Bienville Parish as Clerk of Court, and Mrs. Margaret was his helper and loving wife until the day he passed away. Together they raised 3 children - Sharlande, Jimmy, and Kathy. Mrs. Margaret also has 3 grandchildren, one of them - Josh Sledge - is attending Cedar Creek for the first time this year.
In addition to being a wife and mother, Mrs. Sledge has always been active in her community, working in the Literature Club, Internos Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. She and Mr. Rupert really loved Louisiana Tech and the Lady Techsters. They attended so many games that the Techsters were nearly another family to them.
But Mrs. Margaret's love has always been with missions and with children. She has been the leader for missions in her church, leading and directing the missions groups for small children, girls, young ladies, and women. She has worked at the state level in Alexandria with the WMU groups, and was the WMU Director at First Baptist Church in Arcadia longer than anyone else in the church's history. It has been Mrs. Margaret who would say, "It is time for us to have a special banquet for the young girls and their dads. Let's invite this missionary and his daughter to be our speakers." Or "Let's have a tea party next week for all the moms and their daughters. We could invite this missionary lady who is home in Louisiana for a while. She'll have so many interesting things to tell us." Mrs. Margaret has been the inspiration and driving force behind many Christians learning about and becoming involved in missions all over the world.
As you can see, Mrs. Sledge is a very educated woman with a lot of talents. But Mrs. Letlow invited her here to speak to you today because.....of....her.....heart. Mrs. Sledges heart overflows with kindness, consideration, and thoughtfulness for others. She stays extremely busy doing nice things for others. She spends lots of her time and money sending out letters and cards to people to celebrate their birthdays and anniversaries, but -- more importantly -- to encourage or to praise people. If she hears you sing in a program, she will write you a note saying what a pleasure it was to be there. If she passes you in the grocery store and you look sad, she will write you a card saying she hopes you know that God loves you and will answer your prayers. If a new baby is born, she will be the first one to give that family a book like Good Night, Moon so that reading to the child will become a nightly ritual. When a little girl has a birthday, Mrs. Margaret might give her a little tea set so the girl can begin learning table manners. Whenever there is a wedding or a big party, she asks for the leftover flower decorations, takes them home, rearranges them into lots of small vases, and takes them to people who are sick at home or in the nursing homes. Her eyes are always looking for ways that she can be helpful to someone else. ....... That's what manners are all about..... That is why Mrs. Margaret Sledge has been invited to speak to you today.
Margaret was born on May 22, 1924, in Augusta, Ga., to William Frederick Geer and Ida Fuller Geer, the only daughter in a family of four children. After attending Augusta Junior College and Bessie Tift College, she followed her brother to Baylor University in Waco, where she graduated with a degree in religion. Following God's call to ministry, she attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, where she graduated with a Master's of Religious Education degree with a specialization in Early Childhood Education.
After seminary, Margaret moved to Ruston, La., in 1949 to begin the first weekday kindergarten program at First Baptist Church. On June 16, 1950, in Augusta, Ga., she married her "Honey," H. Rupert Sledge, Bienville Parish Clerk of Court. They built a home in Arcadia and had three children together; Sharlande, Jimmy, and Kathy. She lived in Arcadia for over 62 years.
Her education and experience in Christian education have been invaluable gifts to First Baptist, Arcadia, where she modeled excellence in children's ministry to generations of teachers, parents, and children. For many years, Margaret taught preschool Sunday School, directed Vacation Bible School, and took children to camp. Her church recognized her gifts and dedicated the Children's Resource Library in her honor.
Through commitment to the Missions Committee at her church, leadership in the Bienville Baptist Association, service on the Board of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and full participation in Woman's Missionary Union from the local to national level, Margaret was a link from her church to the world. Her vocation has always been Christian service. She has nurtured that gift in others, from preschoolers to senior adults, beginning with Sunbeams, World Friends, and Girls Auxiliary. In recent years she taught Sunday School at Arcadia Manor and Willow Ridge nursing homes. She mentored and encouraged dozens of younger ministers and missionaries as they serve at home and around the world.
Margaret was known for her giving and loving heart and her lively spirit. She was "salt and light" and "a little bit of sugar." With her gifts of genuine encouragement and welcome, she endeared herself to everyone she met. She shared the love of her Savior with each person in her path. This may have been through "love gifts," a sparkling smile, or the blessing of her testimony. Hundreds of lives have been touched and changed forever because of the love of God they experienced through Margaret Sledge. She will live in the hearts and minds of her loved ones forever.
Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, H. Rupert Sledge; her parents; and her older brother, William Dudley Geer.
She is survived by her three children, Sharlande Elizabeth Sledge of Waco, Jimmy Sledge and wife, Sandee, of Ruston, La.,; and Kathy Sledge Watson and husband, Monty, of Austin; three grandsons, Andy Watson and wife, Tori, of Atlanta, Ga., JJ Sledge of Ruston, La., and Adam Watson of Austin; one great-granddaughter, Brooke Watson of Atlanta; two brothers, Calvin Geer and Robert Geer of Augusta, Ga.; nine nieces and nephews, John Geer, Debbie Wilke, Margaret Roland, David Geer, Jim Geer, Sam Geer, Paul Geer, Fred Geer, and Anne McBath.
Margaret was known for her giving and loving heart. She shared the love of her Savior with everyone she met. This may have been through "love gifts," a smile or the sharing of her testimony. She will remain in the hearts and minds of her loved ones forever.
The family would like to thank the staffs of the Bienville Wellness Complex, St. Francis Medical Center, Pafford EMS, and Glenview Regional Medical Center for their help in caring for Mimi over the last week.
Memorials may be given to the Children's and Missions Ministries at First Baptist Church, Arcadia, 2249 Hazel Street, Arcadia, LA 71001; Pine Cove Christian Camps, Attention: Summer Camp Scholarships, P.O. 9055, Tyler, TX 75711-9055; or Shalom Children's Center (Ghana), Lake Shore Baptist Church, 5801 Bishop Drive, Waco, TX 76710.
Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Arcadia, La., (318) 263-2094
Published in The Shreveport Times, Shreveport, LA, Tuesday, March 12th and Wednesday, March 13th; The Ruston Daily Leader, Ruston, LA, Tuesday, March 12th; The Waco Tribune, Waco, TX, Wednesday, March 13th; and The Bienville Democrat, Arcadia, LA, Thursday, March 14th.
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Margaret Sledge Named Heritage Award Recipient
from: The Bienville Democrat," Arcadia, LA, Thursday, March 29, 2012, p. 1:
This year's Arcadia/Bienville Parish Chamber of Commerce Heritage Award recipient is Margaret Geer Sledge of Arcadia.
Margaret was welcomed to Arcadia in 1950 when she married Bienville Parish Clerk of Court, H. Rupert Sledge. For the past 62 years, she has returned the gift of hospitality to countless others.
A native of Augusta, Georgia, Margaret graduated from Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, where she received a master's degree in religious education. As one of the first class of seminary student to pursue a specialization in early childhood education, Margare came to Louisiana in 1949 to direct the weekday nursery-kindergarten program at First Baptist Church, Ruston.
Her education and experience in Christian education have been invaluable gifts to First Baptist Church, Arcadia, where she has followed her calling to model good children's ministry to several generations of teachers, parents, and children. For many years, Margaret taught preschool Sunday School, directed Vacation Bible School, took children to camp, and provided resources and training.
Through commitment to the Missions Committee at her church, leadership in the Bienville Baptist Association, serve on the Board of the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and full participation in Woman's Missionary Union from the local to national level, Margaret has been a link from her church to the world. Her vocation has been Christian service. She has nurtured that gift in others, from preschoolers to senior adults, beginning with Sunbeams, World Friends, and Girls Auxiliary. In recent years she taught Sunday School at Arcadia Manor and Willow Ridge nursing homes. She continues to mentor and encourage dozens of younger ministers and missionaries as they serve here at home and around the world.
Her husband, Rupert Sledge, was elected to twelve four-year terms as Clerk of Court, from 1940 until his retirement in 1988. A native of Castor who moved to Arcadia at the age of twelve, Rupert was a deputy clerk until 1939, when his father died, and the Govenor appointed Rupert to serve as Clerk. Many of the relationships throughout the parish that they still continue for Margaret. She is also grateful for the good friendships she's developed through Inter Nos, Fidele, and Literature clubs.
Margaret and Rupert's three children grew up in Arcadia. Sharlande is Associate Pastor of Lake Shore Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, Jimmy is a Certified Professional Landman, who lives in Ruston; he and his wife, Sandee McKean Sledge, have one son, Josh. Kathy lives in Austin, Texas, and teaches third grade in Round Rock I.S.D.; She is married to Rev. Monty Watson, also of Arcadia, and they have two sons, Adam and Andy, who is married to Tori. They have a daughter, Brooke.
_________________
Honoree Cuts Ceremonial Ribbon (Picture)
from: The Bienville Democrat, Arcadia, LA, prob. Thursday, August 23, 2001
Mrs. Margaret Sledge cuts the ceremonial ribbon at the official opening of First Baptist Church, Arcadia's renovated Children's Building Sunday afternoon [August 19, 2001]. Mrs. Sledge was recipient of a special honor at the event. In addition to a special plaque, the church has named the Resource Room in the building, "The Margaret Sledge Resource Room" in honor of her 50 years of service at First Baptist Church in the Children's Ministry. Looking on are from left, Frank Leon, Rupert Sledge, Delaine Pearson, Barbara Nutt, (Mrs. Sledge), Curtis McCrary, Elaine Gaudet, Ray Dean Smith, and at right, Church pastor, Jeff Hoffman, with youngsters Justin and Collin Perritt. In the background is Billy Nutt.
_________________
Speech from ceremony re-opening the Children's Building and the Margaret Sledge Room First Baptist Church, Arcadia, LA - August 19, 2001
by:
Margaret Sledge has always had a love for children, and for fifty-one years the primary focus of her ministry has been First Baptist Church, Arcadia.
A native of Augusta, Georgia, Margaret graduated from Baylor University. In January 1949 she earned her Master of Religious Education degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where she was one of the first students to specialize in early childhood education. In September of that year she began the first church nursery/kindergarten in Louisiana at First Baptist Church, Ruston. In June 1950 she married Rupert Sledge and they began their ministry together which still continues today, August 19, 2001.
Margaret has always been greatly involved in preschool and children's departments - teaching four and five -year-olds in the Beginner Sunday School Department for many years until "Beginners" and "Primaries" were re-named "Preschoolers" and "Children;" leading Sunbeams, World Friends, and Girls Auxiliary and later Girls in Action and Mission Friends; directing Vacation bible Schools; coordinating extended session; serving on the board for the Childcare Center; overseeing the preschool departments in the areas of vision, outreach, teaching materials, and training teachers; and taking children to camp. at Tall Timers and Camp. Harris.
Margaret is an invaluable resource for First Baptist Church, Arcadia, for she connects its children and mission organizations to the world through the Bienville Baptist Association, the Louisiana Baptist Convention, and the Woman's Missionary Union of the Southern Baptist Convention.
She has introduced several generations of children from First Baptist, Arcadia, to children of the world by inviting missionaries to come tell their stories. Today one of the ways she is called to help. boys and girls of First Baptist Church, Arcadia, give to children in other countries is through the Samaritan's Purse International, which gives children caught in war-torn or economically desperate countries shoe boxes of school supplies, socks, toothbrushes and toys.
Wherever she goes, Margaret Sledge is thinking about ways to introduce preschoolers and children to God. She is always on the search for beautiful books about Jesus, family #ilies, friends, and God's world for their rooms at church. When she meets someone for the first time, she wants to make sure their children have a church home.
Margaret has a contagious spirit and love of preschoolers and children. the ripples of her influence spread into the world through those she has taught who are now teaching their own children and the children of others. Today someone is singing "L-O-V-E Love" or saying "A friend loves at all times" because they first learned the words from her. Many lives have been touched and changed forever because of the love of God they have experienced through Margaret Sledge.
________________
Introduction to girls missionary luncheon
by , 2004
Mrs. Margaret Sledge is our very special guest today. She was born in Augusta, Georgia, almost 80 years ago (her birthday will be May 22.) Mrs. Sledge graduated from both Baylor University and Southwestern Baptist Seminary - a lot of schooling for a young lady then. After getting her formal education, "Mrs. Margaret" as she is known to many, began working at First Baptist Church here in Ruston. She was hired as the children's coordinator, and she began the very first church kindergarten program. Then she met Mr. H. Rupert Sledge from Arcadia and fell in love. Mr. Rupert was a wonderful man who was elected in Bienville Parish as Clerk of Court, and Mrs. Margaret was his helper and loving wife until the day he passed away. Together they raised 3 children - Sharlande, Jimmy, and Kathy. Mrs. Margaret also has 3 grandchildren, one of them - Josh Sledge - is attending Cedar Creek for the first time this year.
In addition to being a wife and mother, Mrs. Sledge has always been active in her community, working in the Literature Club, Internos Club, and the Chamber of Commerce. She and Mr. Rupert really loved Louisiana Tech and the Lady Techsters. They attended so many games that the Techsters were nearly another family to them.
But Mrs. Margaret's love has always been with missions and with children. She has been the leader for missions in her church, leading and directing the missions groups for small children, girls, young ladies, and women. She has worked at the state level in Alexandria with the WMU groups, and was the WMU Director at First Baptist Church in Arcadia longer than anyone else in the church's history. It has been Mrs. Margaret who would say, "It is time for us to have a special banquet for the young girls and their dads. Let's invite this missionary and his daughter to be our speakers." Or "Let's have a tea party next week for all the moms and their daughters. We could invite this missionary lady who is home in Louisiana for a while. She'll have so many interesting things to tell us." Mrs. Margaret has been the inspiration and driving force behind many Christians learning about and becoming involved in missions all over the world.
As you can see, Mrs. Sledge is a very educated woman with a lot of talents. But Mrs. Letlow invited her here to speak to you today because.....of....her.....heart. Mrs. Sledges heart overflows with kindness, consideration, and thoughtfulness for others. She stays extremely busy doing nice things for others. She spends lots of her time and money sending out letters and cards to people to celebrate their birthdays and anniversaries, but -- more importantly -- to encourage or to praise people. If she hears you sing in a program, she will write you a note saying what a pleasure it was to be there. If she passes you in the grocery store and you look sad, she will write you a card saying she hopes you know that God loves you and will answer your prayers. If a new baby is born, she will be the first one to give that family a book like Good Night, Moon so that reading to the child will become a nightly ritual. When a little girl has a birthday, Mrs. Margaret might give her a little tea set so the girl can begin learning table manners. Whenever there is a wedding or a big party, she asks for the leftover flower decorations, takes them home, rearranges them into lots of small vases, and takes them to people who are sick at home or in the nursing homes. Her eyes are always looking for ways that she can be helpful to someone else. ....... That's what manners are all about..... That is why Mrs. Margaret Sledge has been invited to speak to you today.
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