It is with immeasurable sadness we announce the unexpected but peaceful passing of Elizabeth D. Walker Sledge, age 84, on September 4, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of unwavering love, kindness, generosity, teaching, music and wisdom. She was born in Houston, TX to Amanda and Lloyd Walker and grew up surrounded by family, friends, community and music. She was the oldest of five siblings. Although she lost her own mother at age 14, she built a life centered around love, kindness, service, teaching, music and dedication to her family, both immediate and extended.

Elizabeth “Liz” Walker Sledge was a straight A student, graduated with honors and was the valedictorian of her senior class at Kashmere High School in Houston, TX. She went on to earn her bachelor's degree with honors from Howard University in Washington, DC. After learning to play piano at age 4, Elizabeth was an accomplished concert pianist during her formative years and later extended her musical talents to the community and her church. She married after college and later had three children, a son and two daughters. An IBM programmer in her early career, she retired after dedicating 30 years to education as a math teacher to middle schoolers and adults. Her no-nonsense but deeply loving teaching style, impacted thousands of students who often returned to thank her for helping them to rise to their potential.

She gave generously through her wisdom, advice, encouraging words, handwritten cards, and her steadfast presence at every major life event and simple everyday gatherings or phone calls. Elizabeth loved to travel and enjoyed visiting or living in various locations across the United States including California, New Jersey, Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, New York and Massachusetts before settling in North Carolina where she lived until the time of her passing. Elizabeth also enjoyed traveling to several international destinations including Canada, Spain, China, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia. She stayed on the go, but never passed up an opportunity to visit with her sisters and brother over the years, volunteer with her church leading girl scout groups or playing for performances, catch a flight to laugh with her Houston friends, or get together for a game of scrabble or brunch with her NC teacher buddies. She cherished time with family both young and old – going for walks in the park, sitting on the beach, sharing meals and holidays together, running everyday errands, reading stories, discussing current events or just passing the time chatting and laughing.

She is survived by her two daughters, Cassaundra (Marcus) and Olivia Sledge; their father, John Sledge; grandchildren Orion, Amanda, and August; and was preceded in death by her son and first born, Russell Sledge. She is also survived by her brother, Kenneth; sister, Janet and a host of loving family: niece, nephews, cousins, many great-nieces and great-nephews and a wide circle of family and friends in North Carolina, Washington DC, Virginia, Louisiana and Texas. Elizabeth lived a beautiful and extraordinary life and her legacy of strength, resilience, love, care and encouragement will continue in the lives of all who loved her.

Her family is forever grateful for the kindness, love and support shown during this difficult time. If you would like to honor Elizabeth (Liz) Walker Sledge with a gift, memorial donations may be made to:

The Family of Elizabeth D. Walker Sledge: https://gofund.me/95f117bec

First Baptist Church – cash, check, or via the Giving link on their website

Website: https://www.fbcwinston.org/give/

Mailing address: 700 Highland Ave. Winston-Salem, NC 27101

(Please include “Elizabeth Sledge Memorial Donation” in the notes/memo)

New Hope Baptist Church –

Mailing address: 5026 Langley Rd, Houston, TX 77016

(or P.O. Box 23665 Houston, TX 77228)

Questions: Rev. Tracy S Phillips 773- 223-9770

(Please include “Elizabeth Sledge Memorial Donation” in the notes/memo)

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:30am, Saturday, September 26, 2026 at First Baptist Church, 700 Highland Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC, 27101. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 11:30am on Saturday at the Church.

**Services will also be livestreamed via the First Baptist Church website**

Livestream: https://www.fbcwinston.org/fbc-virtual-worship-services/