A Beautiful Life Well Lived: Ellen Ann "ANN" Sledge Rawles, 84

A private viewing for Laquanna, Ricky, Missionary Ella and William will be held Friday, February 28, 2025 at 1:30 PM at the funeral parlor followed by a public viewing from 2:00 to 5:00 PM

Ann in her white unit with gold handles will lie in state at Macedonia Baptist Church, 30 Quarrel Road, Emporia, VA at 11:00 AM Saturday, March 1, 2025 -- until the time of the funeral, which will be at 12:00 O'Clock High Noon, Elder Johnny Taylor her Pastor will deliver the eulogy, Rev. Colonius Avent is the Pastor of this great church.

Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

We mourn the passing of Ellen Ann Sledge Rawles, 84, who departed this life on February 18, 2025,  ECU Health North Hospital, Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, with deep sorrow and much love. Ann was born February 21, 1940, to the late John Henry Sledge and Jennie E. Sledge in Halifax County, North Carolina.

Early Years
Ann was raised in a loving home in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, in the Lincoln Heights Community. She professed Christ as her personal Savior at a young age. Ann attended Halifax County Schools and graduated from John Armstrong Chaloner High School in 1959. Ann was married to Collin Rawles for over 30 years until his earthly transition in 1999. She had a warm and giving spirit and always treasured time with her classmates, community, and friends.

She was known for her love of fellowship, laughter, and being with those she loved. There was never a dull moment when she was around—her presence was filled with joy, fun, and warmth. Ann always showed kindness and love to everyone she encountered, impacting many lives. She had many jobs, including working at the Trailways Bus Station until she became employed at West Point Stevens. She retired from West Point Stevens after working for over 30+ years.

A Life of Love and Celebration
Ann was a dedicated member of Macedonia Baptist Church, where she actively served on many committees until her health declined. Later, she worshipped with the Community Church of Christ #2 under the leadership of Pastor Johnny Taylor Sr., where she faithfully served on the Motherboard.

Ann found joy in giving, often sharing her love through gifts and kind deeds.. One of her favorite sayings was, "It's not the gift but the thought that counts." Every holiday was an event in her home, and she ensured it was filled with decorations, love, and laughter. Her enthusiasm for celebrating life left a lasting impression on all who knew her. Ann deeply loved flowers, finding beauty and joy in their colors and fragrance. She believed they brought warmth and happiness to any space and took great pleasure in arranging them for special occasions and everyday moments.

Legacy & Cherished Family

She leaves not to mourn but to cherish her fond memories: Two Grandchildren--who she loved dearly:  Laquanna T. Sledge (Emporia, Virginia) and Ricky T. Norwood Jr. (Petersburg, Virginia); Two Daughters of the heart:  Katara Taylor and husband Anthony of Cary, North Carolina,  Lutricia "Tish" Plumb of Roselle, New Jersey; and Prentice Tann of Ahoskie NC, who she took in as her own. Bonus children:  including-- Matt Rawles Sr. of Ahoskie, NC, Collins Rawles, Jr. of Richmond, VA, Tilman Rawles of Richmond, VA, Dessary Green of Bronx, NY, Lavern Boone of Jackson, NC, and Tammy Williams of Roanoke Rapids, NC; Her Sister: Missionary Ella "Poochie" Baker of Roanoke Rapids, NC (Lincoln Heights), Her Special Nephew:  William Baker Sr., whom she considered a son, and a host of, many nieces, nephews, cousins, church family as well as a host of loving relatives and friends.

Mrs. Rawles was preceded in death by her loving husband: Mr. Collin Rawles, whom she affectionately called "Red," her devoted partner and best friend of 30 years, daughter: Terris A. Sledge, two nephews: Nikki Sledge and Keith Sledge, her sister:  Margaret "Peggy" Florine Sledge and four bonus children:  Eldridge Rawles, Celestine Garris, Doris Herron, and Kay McCray. May they all rest in peace and have a blessed reunion.

Ellen rests in the comfort of Coleman-McGee Funeral Home & Staff...Thoughtful Professional Services Within The Means Of ALL...Because WE Care...