Mary Constance “Connie” Sledge departed from family and friends December 5, 2022 at El Reposo Nursing Home following a brief illness. She was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada August 29, 1934  to George and Cecilia Gibson.

Connie met Hoyt Sledge at a USO dance. They married in 1953 and raised 8 children. After Hoyt retired from the US Navy he moved his family back to his hometown of Florence, Alabama.  In 1969 they started Conny’s BBQ and later moved to Iron City TN where they built and operated Chief’s BBQ for over 20 years.

Connie was preceded in death by her husband Hoyt Sledge, son Danny Sledge, granddaughter Jennifer Bray; parents George and Cecilia Gibson, sister Pat Gibson, and brothers Jackie, Jimmie, Mike (Lorraine) and Bill Gibson. She is survived by her brothers George (Marie) Gibson, Charles (Eleanor) Gibson, Bob (Mona) Gibson; her children Darline (Bruce)Larson, Mary Anne (Tim) Rippey, Kathy (Tim) Caston, Betty (Clay) Taylor, Miles (Tina) Sledge, Frances (Roger) Keeton and Tommy (Sabrina) Sledge; as well as 16 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild, quite the legacy for a true Matriarch.

Connie was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Visitation will be Wednesday, December 7, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church.  A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Abbot Cletus Meagher O.S.B. officiating.  Burial will be at Railroad Cemetery in Iron City, TN, services directed by Williams Funeral Home.

The family would like to thank the staff at El Reposo for their excellent care.  .  Condolences may be left at wfunerals.com