On March 14, 2020, our family lost an Earthly angel. Edwa Jean “Honey” Slagle entered her Heavenly home surrounded by her family. She was born on October 21, 1955 to S.C. and Hollie Slagle. Honey is thought to be one of the oldest persons who lived with Down Syndrome. From the moment she arrived, she brought love and joy to anyone she encountered. Although she was born with special needs, this obstacle did not affect her zest for living. Four generations of adults and children have been impacted by Honey’s life. If pure love and joy could be defined as a person, Honey would be the perfect illustration. Quick to share a smile or a hug, one knew that her touch was the truest form of sincerity. If each of us could live as she did with love, kindness, and innocence, the world would be a much better place.
For anyone who had the honor of knowing Honey, you would know of her love of music, badminton, dodgeball, and especially, “I Love Lucy”. One of her prized possessions was an autographed photo of Lucille Ball, which she displayed proudly in her room. She was an enthusiastic and competitive dodgeball and badminton player, ready to take on any of her nieces and nephews who came to visit. As children, the moment we entered our grandparents’ home, Honey would be there to greet us and pat the seat beside her as an invitation to sit with her. Our family will miss these and many more of the moments we shared with her.
Honey was a delight and brought smiles to all who were around her. She was kind and innocent and always a kid at heart. She will be dearly missed by her loved ones and friends, but they are comforted knowing that she is healed and in the arms of Jesus.
Honey was blessed with a large and loving family. She was preceded in death by her parents; a beloved sister, Vivian “Sis” Slagle McMurray; and a precious sister-in-law, Saundra Slagle.
She is survived by five brothers and five sisters, S.C. “Sonny” and Helen Slagle, who opened their home to her and became her caregivers, Jimmy and Marguerite “Babe” Harris, William and Sharon “Tane” Fields, Gary “Buck” and Sharon Slagle, Tony and Linda Bowers, Pete Slagle, Tom and Patsy Slagle, Richard and Barbara “Bobbie” Carter, Doug and Johnnie Slagle, and D.H. and Beverly “Bebe” Lowe, who was her best friend and lifelong companion; a special cousin who she thought of as a sister, Patsy Trivett; 20 nieces and nephews, 25 great-nieces and great-nephews, and 16 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
The family would like to extend a big “Thank You” to a special niece, Robin Clark, who gave her love and care during her illness and a special great-great-nephew, Wyatt Godsey.
Honey leaves a legacy of love. A relative of one of her nieces said, “Honey, just as her name suggests, was certainly handpicked to touch the lives of many generations. In fact, the depth of her influence can never be fully measured; the warmth of her hugs, the giggle behind her smile, and the undeniable purpose of her life leaves us with a little glimpse of Heaven on Earth.”
A service to celebrate Honey’s life will be conducted at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 18, in the Sunset Chapel of Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Services with Reverend Leann Crandall, Reverend Michael Berry and Reverend Estel Williams officiating. Music will be under the direction of Mr. Joel Crisp. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., prior to the funeral service on Wednesday, and at the home of her brother and sister-in-law, Sonny and Helen Slagle, at other times. The graveside service and interment will be conducted at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 19, at the Slagle Cemetery on Reynolds Road, Elizabethton. Active pallbearers will be Tony Slagle, Rusty Slagle, Stephen Slagle, Andy Slagle, Pete Slagle, Bryan Slagle, Wyatt Godsey and Trystan Godsey. Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Slagle, Tony Trivett, Jeff Crowe, Ken Kelly, Jim Oller, Calvin Hyder, Roy Brown, Lon Davis, BK Morley, Mike Langlois, Rick Langlois, Max Kelly, Jessie Boyd, Danny Clark and her church family at Slagle’s United Methodist Church. Everyone will meet at Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Services at 9:30 a.m. Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Honey’s name to the Slagle’s United Methodist Church Youth Ministry or the Slagle’s United Methodist Church Women’s Society, 285 Old Watauga Road, Elizabethton, TN 37643. “Laugh as much as you breathe, love as much as you live.” Thank you, Honey, for all the love and laughter you brought into our world. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website at www.hathawaypercy.com.
Honey and her family are in the care of Hathaway-Percy Funeral and Cremation Services. Office: (423) 543-5544.