Betty Jean Hill-Sledge was born October 31, 1937 in Jacksonville, Florida, to the late Lester and Nancy Hill. Betty met and married her high school sweetheart, Charlie Emory Sledge on December 17, 1954. Three years later they gave birth to the first of three daughters, Charlotte, Elouise, and Camelia.
Betty was baptized at an early age along with her only sibling, Mahy Jefferson, at First Corinth Missionary Baptist Church. Betty was a very well noted Sunday School teacher, usher, and Deaconess.
Betty obtained her nursing degree from Duval Vocational Nursing School. She was a well noted advocate for the AFICIO Union, where she spoke on behalf of her co-workers and colleague’s rights. She was also a member of the Nurses Gill Association. Betty was a nurse at Duval Medical Center (known now as UF Health Jacksonville) for over 36 years, where she earned many service awards.
Betty leaves behind an awesome loving heritage: three daughters, Charlotte Harris Sledge, Elouise Ellis, and Camelia Portee; two son-in-laws, Willis Ellis and John Portee; grandchildren, Carl Nesmith, Jerrand Nesmith, Tiffany Nesmith, Joshua Nesmith, Shiffon Holmes, Brandie Jackson, Regan Adams, Audra Harris, Antwan Ellis, James Ellis, John Portee, Seqouah Portee, Ricky Sledge and Angela Dorcilien; 21 a great-grandchildren; a true and loving sister, Matty Jefferson; sister-in-law, Bonnie Sledge; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, and friends. Betty also leaves behind a special niece and her husband, Beverly and Mike Gowder who played a crucial importance in her life.
Who can find a virtuous woman? For her worth is far above rubies. Proverbs 31:10
The funeral service for Betty Jean Sledge will be held 11:00 am Thursday, January 21st, 2021 at the Samuel C. Rogers Jr. Memorial Chapel, 4315 North Main Street, Jacksonville, Florida 32209. The visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 20th, 2021 at the Funerals by T.S. Warden, 4315 North Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206. Interment in Jacksonville National Cemetery. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 765-1234.