Marilyn S. Slater

Marilyn “Sue” Slater, 87, of Columbia, SC passed away peacefully in her sleep Saturday, January 27. Sue was the wife of the late Jack Slater for 59 years and they both were from Newark, Ohio. She was always smiling and certainly had a point of view!

Remembered for her wicked sense of humor and compassion for bringing the best out in everyone, she loved her family unconditionally and lead by example helping others. So much of us was made from what we learned from her.

She is survived by her daughters, Wendy (Mike) Kemp, Rock Hill, SC, Polly Slater, Columbia, SC, Liz Eberts, Columbia, SC, and son, Michael (Pam) Slater of Fayetteville, NC; four grandchildren: McKendree Slater, Raeford, NC, Brennen Slater, Raeford, NC, Jonathan Kemp, Charlotte, NC, Jessica Kemp, Charleston SC; one great-grandchild, Julia Slater, Raeford, NC; two nieces, and three nephews.

Sue leaves a legacy as a true servant leader who committed her life to advocacy for people with disabilities. She believed in them, their goals and achievements. While living in Michigan and Pennsylvania, she served as President of the ARC and worked alongside of President Ford to shut down institutions for mentally challenged people. She was an outspoken advocate for mainstreaming people with disabilities into public school classrooms.

Sue served as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Babcock Center in Columbia, SC. She was a fierce advocate who persuaded people to think outside the box for people with disabilities. To countless people, she was a guiding light shining bright with support and love. Sue worked in government for the State of SC DHEC and wrote Life Plans with adults with disabilities. Her first words to clients were “Where do you want to go? And let’s get you there!”

She was a trained facilitator of Person-Centered thinking at the state level. She aimed at persons with disabilities living outside of a group home, having jobs in the community and being engaged in a support system that presented opportunities to become an integral part of society.

Sue was instrumental in the planning, development and implementation of early intervention programs for infants and toddlers and provided vision and leadership for the establishment of Pro-Parents information and training center. She was involved in forming Family Partner Program at Family Connection of SC and was the coordinator for the annual statewide BabyNet Early intervention Parent/Professional conferences.

30 years ago, Sue was instrumental in the creation of the SC Partnership of Disability Organizations that brought together government agencies into a partnership to support people with disabilities. We celebrate annually at the statehouse on Disability Advocacy Day. Sue was a pioneer in the field of advocacy who forged new thinking and developed tools that opened a path for parents to advocate for their children with special needs.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 8, 2024 at the pavilion at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC 29229.

The family wishes to thank all of our caregivers, friends and family for the caring support you’ve given.

Memorials may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 223 South Herlong Ave., Rock Hill, SC 29732 in memory of Marilyn Sue Slater.