Elizabeth Sledge Magenbauer, 78, of Salem passed away on Saturday, February 20. She was born June 10, 1942, and was the daughter of William Ferebee Sledge and Katharine Crouch Sledge of Whiteville, NC. She had a fulfilling and wonderful life. As a child, she grew up in Whiteville where she attended the local schools. Lake Waccamaw and the beaches of North Carolina and South Carolina were nearby, which were a favorite destination for her family, friends, and remained a favorite destination throughout her life.
Elizabeth attended Queen’s College (Charlotte, NC) and after graduating she taught English in Atlanta. Afterward, she was hired by the US Air Force as a teacher in Bitburg, Germany. While in Germany, she enjoyed traveling and experiencing the countries of Europe. After returning to the States, she lived in Erie, PA and Greenville, SC before finally settling in Salem in 1974. She worked for Wrenn Lumber Corporation in Roanoke for years and thoroughly enjoyed the friendships that started there. Elizabeth also enjoyed volunteering at community events and helped start the ‘PTA After-Prom’ program at Salem High School.
She loved to be productive and share her knowledge as the “teacher” in her was always present. Most important to Elizabeth was the wonderful people in her life; for that, she was most fortunate. Elizabeth enjoyed business, traveling, reading, and most of all spending time with her four grandchildren – Evyn, Olivia, Ellie, and Garrett. She had a unique and special bond with them.
Surviving are her sons, Brett Magenbauer and wife, Jia, Stephen Magenbauer and wife, Edwynna; her brother, Glenn Sledge and wife, Martha Sue; and her sister, Katharine “SooSoo” Fort; her four grandchildren, Evyn, Olivia, Ellie, and Garrett whom she called “the dessert of life”; nieces are Elisabeth Sledge Woodard (and husband Todd) and their children Katharine, Todd, Sarah, Caroline, and Rachel. Jennifer Fort Martin (and husband Curry) and their children Liza and Margaret; nephew, David Stephen Fort (and wife Becca), and their children Drew and Blake; and her dear friend and neighbor of 46 years Margie Smith.
A special thanks to her caregivers and friends that assisted her throughout her illness and battle with COPD. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
A celebration of her life was held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 27, at the John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home in Salem with Rev. Bobby Pickle officiating. Elizabeth will be inurned in Whiteville. Friends began to gather to briefly speak with the family and take their seats after 2 p.m.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnmoakey.com.