Joyce Ann (Odneal) Sledge

Joyce Ann (Odneal) Sledge, 93, of Midland, Texas, was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on June 28, 2025. She was born on May 11, 1932, in Frederick, Oklahoma, the beloved only child of Clarence and Gladys Odneal.

Joyce graduated from Odessa High School about the time she met the love of her life, Harold “Gene” Sledge, in 1949. The two were married on August 15, 1951, beginning a marriage that would span nearly seven decades. Joyce was cherished by her husband. They welcomed three sons, in quick succession—David, Steve, and Mike—and moved to Midland to build their life and legacy.

Joyce began her early career at Texas Oil and Gas and also spent time in real estate, but her greatest devotion was to her family. She was endlessly proud of her boys, never missing a sporting event and making sure the family gathered for dinner every night. During the years of Gene Sledge Drilling Corp, Gene affectionately called her “Rig 6,” joking that he had to include her in his rig count to make sure she got some of his time, too.

Joyce was very proud to be “Grandma” to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the quintessential grandmother —gentle, joyful, and fully present. Her quiet strength and steady spirit were unmatched, and she was the only one who could truly influence Gene. She referred to her grandchildren as “little darlins” and had quite a repertoire of “jingles” she would sweetly sing to them.

Joyce was a gifted artist and creative spirit. She loved quilting, sewing, and needlepoint, and for many years owned The Needle Nook in Midland—a warm, welcoming hub for stitchers and quilters alike. She was also an antique glass enthusiast, and her collection was extraordinary—curated from tiny shops during her travels and, more often than not, from the world wide web, where eBay was a favorite source. Joyce practiced calligraphy and enjoyed painting. Many, many birthday cakes – applesauce and coconut, especially – were baked by Grandma. She loved to cook for her family, preparing unforgettable, delicious meals in cozy kitchens at home and at the Sledge Ranch in Zephyr. When she wasn’t in the kitchen at the ranch, she was out exploring on the four-wheeler or reeling in the biggest catch—she was truly a woman of many talents.

Later in life, Joyce and Gene loved traveling in their bus with dear friends, the Mabees. They never left home without their beloved “daughter,” Prissy, their Bichon Frise. These adventures became cherished memories.

She and Gene were lifelong members of First Baptist Church Midland and devoted much of their time and resources to causes close to their hearts, including MARC (now Spectrum of Solutions), the American Cancer Society, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; her son, Steven Phillip Sledge; her daughter-in-law, Sandy Sledge; and her parents, Gladys and Clarence Odneal. She is survived by her sons David and Mike (Sarah), both of Midland; her daughter-in-law Carol Sledge of Houston; grandchildren Shelley (Kyle) Cunningham, Sam (Helen) Sledge, Spencer (Kelsey) Sledge, and Ashley (Derek) Blackstock; and great-grandchildren Silas, John David, Ella, Jack, Stevie, Banks, Wells, Georgia and Pierce.

Her legacy is one of creativity, faith, compassion, strength and love—a life beautifully lived and dearly missed.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Gloria and Lupe, who lovingly cared for Joyce over the last several years. Words cannot express our gratitude for their kindness, dedication, and compassion. A special thank-you as well to the staff at Manor Park, where Grandma was doted on and very entertained the last year.

The family will have a private burial with a memorial service to follow at 1:00pm on Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at First Baptist Church in Midland, Texas.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in memory of Joyce Sledge be made to MARC, 2701 N A St, Midland, Texas 79705, The Bynum School, 5100 Avalon Dr, Midland, Texas 79707 or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the care of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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