Rachel Rodgers Slate, 85, of Trinity, NC, passed away peacefully on June 11, 2025, at her home surrounded by family as she went to meet Jesus, her Lord and Savior. She had battled pancreatic cancer since August, 2024.
Rachel was born on July 25, 1939, in Martinsville, VA, to James Hughes Rodgers and Melvina Bryant Rodgers. She graduated valedictorian from Emmanuel Academy High School and then salutatorian from Emmanuel College where she met her husband, Kenneth Rudolph Slate. They were married on July 30, 1960. Rachel previously worked for Wachovia Bank and the Thomasville Chamber of Commerce before becoming a full-time mother. Rachel was known for her significant community volunteerism, including the formation of the Davidson County Barbecue Festival while serving as president of Arts Davidson County. She was a past president of the Thomasville Women’s Club during which numerous community improvements were made. She served on several homeowner’s associations in North Carolina and South Carolina, including Steeplegate where she resided. Rachel was a Rotarian and received the prestigious Harris Fellowship Award.
In addition to her husband, Rachel is survived by one sister, Nell Rodgers, with whom she traveled extensively as children with their evangelistic parents and then internationally as adults. Rachel has played the piano and organ with various churches in the local area. Rachel is also survived by two sons, Steve Slate (Ginny) and Todd Slate (Susan); three grandchildren, Jordan Slate (Abby), Sarah Canovai (Rodger), and Ashley Edwards (Caleb); and four great-grandchildren, Roman Canovai, Ramsey Canovai, Morlie Edwards, and Sutton Slate. Rachel was preceded in death by her parents and four siblings, Jimmy Rodgers, Clyde Rodgers, Thelma Burcham, and Midge Nichols.
A funeral will be held on Monday, June 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM, at Thomasville Church of God to honor and celebrate Rachel’s life. The family will receive friends beforehand beginning at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in Holly Hill Memorial Park.
The family is most appreciative for the numerous prayers, cards, and concerns for Rachel during her battle with cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to either Thomasville Church of God or Hospice of the Piedmont.
The family is under the care of Sechrest-Davis Funerals & Cremations of Thomasville. Online condolences may be shared at www.SechrestDavisThomasville.com – select obituaries.
