D. Jeffery Sligh

Services can be live-streamed at www.youtube.com/@OBCRockHill

D. Jeffery Sligh, a devoted educator, musician, and friend to humanity, died on Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Born in Westchester County, New York, on February 7, 1960, he was the only child born to the late David and Lona Sligh. Jeffery was two years old when his family moved to Batesburg-Leesville, SC, where his father was a school principal. His mother was also an educator, dedicated church leader, and choir member. Jeffery learned to play piano in the sixth grade and remained a performer, patron, teacher, and conductor of music throughout his life.

He graduated from the University of South Carolina in Columbia in 1983, where he received a Bachelor of Music Education degree with performance certification. He completed graduate studies in music education at Winthrop University and received his Paralegal Certification from the National Academy for Paralegal Studies.

Jeffery was employed by U.S. Congressman John M. Spratt, Jr., for 28 years, where he served as Congressional Liaison, Senior Immigration Specialist, and District Deputy Administrator. In 2011, he continued his service to South Carolina’s 5th congressional district as Assistant, then District Director, for U.S. Congressman Mick Mulvaney. After 34 years of service, he retired in June 2017.

Throughout his life, Jeffery served the Lord as a devout Christian and as Minister of Music at St. Mary Catholic Church, New Mt. Olivet AME Zion Church and Mt Prospect Baptist Church. In May 2019 after 32 years of service, he retired from Clinton College as professor of music, where he taught music appreciation, hymnology, and served as Director of Choral Activities. In 1998, he was named Teacher of the Year by the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce. Jeffery was also the Founder and Director of the Rock Hill Ecumenical Chorale. Doug Echols, former Mayor of the City of Rock Hill, proclaimed February 24, 2008, as “Jeffery Sligh Day,” for his dedicated service and for sharing his musical talents so generously with the Rock Hill community.

He served as a board member for the Catawba Community Mental Health Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of York County, ARTS etc, Dorothy Day Soup Kitchen, City of Rock Hill Accommodation Tax and Tourism, and the Arts Council of York County, where he was a past recipient of the prestigious Ben Ardrey Volunteer Service Award. Most recently, Jeffery devoted his passion for the arts as a charter member of the Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors, where he served as Vice President/Director of Community Engagement.

Jeffery is survived by his loving husband and partner of 39 years, Tim Ward; sisters Arlechia (Calvin) Oakman and Donna Bryant; nieces Tiffany and Leslie Baston; nephews Jalik Oakman, Brandon and Phillip Swanson; father-in-law Clarence Ward; sisters-in-law Gail Cox, Lisa (Larry) Johnson, Lori (Tim) Little; and brother-in-law Terry (Lisa) Ward.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Oakland Baptist Church, 1067 Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill, with Father Agustín Guzmán officiating, and Deacons Rev. Dr. Terrence R. Chisholm and Rev. Walt Hollis assisting.  Burial will be at Rock Hill Memorial Gardens, 700 Heckle Boulevard, Rock Hill. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, in the Oakland Baptist Church sanctuary. Robinson Funeral Home of Rock Hill, 534 Hampton Street, will be serving the family.

The family wishes to thank Agape Care Group and Amy Harris, RN, for their care, compassion and support. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra, P.O. Box 542, Rock Hill, SC, 29731.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” ~ 2 Timothy 4:7