Evelyn Jones Sledge

A beloved mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, Evelyn was the center of her family. Always an encourager and advisor to those she loved-she offered peace, wisdom, and a quiet strength that steadied everyone around her. Evelyn's gentle spirit and unwavering presence made her a cherished part of every life she touched.

Born on February 10, 1929, in Monroe, Louisiana, she was raised in New Orleans alongside her younger sister, Mary Bert. In 1947 she enrolled as a student at Louisiana State University, where she was an active member of Phi Mu and studied French. It was at LSU where she met Collie Britain "CB" Sledge, who became her husband in 1949. They were married for 68 years until CB's passing in 2017. Their marriage was a steadfast inspiration to their entire family.

For many years, Evelyn was involved in social work. Evelyn was a nurturing person, and so it was fitting that she worked with the Department of Welfare helping families and children with the adoption process. She loved working there.

Evelyn's grand mission in life was supporting her family. She embraced her role as a matriarch in every sense, and went out of her way to be present at every child's, grandchild's, and great-grandchild's event that she could possibly make. For most of her life, she could be found alongside CB at baseball games, plays, and dance recitals, to name a few. Evelyn was a true mentor to everyone she was close with. Evelyn was a Christian and often spoke about her faith to her family and friends. She was a member of Christ United Church in Jackson, Mississippi.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents, Taylor Jackson Jones and Mattie Chapman Jones; as well as her sister, Mary Bert Watson (Hugh). She is survived by her three sons; Collie Britain "Brit" Sledge, Jr. (Dorothy); Taylor Marklin "Mark" Sledge(Lisa); and Charles Chapman Sledge(Cynthia); seven grandchildren; Collie Britain Sledge III, Clayton Brady Sledge, Rebecca Sledge Johnson, Caroline Sledge Crespino, Taylor Marklin Sledge Jr., Travis McNabb Sledge, and Emily Catherine Sledge; as well as ten great-grandchildren.

Services will be held at Parkway Funeral Home in Ridgeland, Mississippi. Visitation will be Monday, October 27th from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, with the funeral service immediately after at 11:00 AM.

If desired, in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Hospice Ministries or to Gateway Rescue Mission in Jackson, MS.