Beloved Pulaski Matriarch Mildred Slusher Passes at 81, Service Details Inside
Mary Esther marks the passing of Mildred Ailene Rupe Slusher, 81, with funeral details for August 17, 2025, in Pulaski.
Beloved Pulaski Matriarch Mildred Slusher Passes at 81, Service Details Inside
Mildred Ailene Rupe Slusher, beloved matriarch and dedicated member of the Pulaski community, passed away at the age of 81 on August 14, 2025, at the Good Samaritan Hospice House in Roanoke, Virginia. A warm soul born on March 28, 1944, in Pulaski, she remains cherished by her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James “Jimmy” Slusher, and her beloved daughter, Vickie Mae Slusher. The loss of her granddaughter, Crystal Ann Smith, weighed heavily, as did the passing of her siblings: Mary, Esther, Carmen, Dan, Dallas, Bonnie, and Alice. Though a heart-wrenching farewell, Mildred’s memory will live on in the hearts of her loved ones.
Family and Legacy
Mildred leaves behind a resilient family, including her children Jessie Wayne (Trish) Slusher of Meridian, MS, and Pamela (Lee) Altizer of Pulaski. The bond she built with her grandchildren—Shannon (Jeff) McPeak, Amber (Josh) Smith, Jake (Amber) Slusher, and Morgan (James) Herzog—continues to inspire those who knew her.
The joy of Mildred’s legacy shines vividly through her great-grandchildren: Serena Smith, Jerry “LJ” McPeak, Aliyah Smith, Bonnie Smith, Judd Slusher, and Elisabeth Smith, who all carry a piece of her spirit. Not to forget her brothers, Tom “Tiny” Rupe and Doug (Luella) Rupe, as well as numerous nieces and nephews who will remember her fondly.
A Final Farewell
Funeral services are set for 1:00 PM on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Bower Funeral Home-Chapel in Pulaski, offering a shared space for reflection and remembrance. Family and friends are invited to gather one hour prior to the service to offer their condolences. Following the service, interment will take place at Thornspring U.M.C. Cemetery, ensuring Mildred’s resting place will be close to those she loved.
Mildred’s journey reflects not just a life lived, but a life dedicated to her family and community. In nurturing relationships and positively impacting those around her, Slimi, as she was affectionately known, has left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Arrangements are in the compassionate hands of the Bower Funeral Home & Crematory in Pulaski.
Community and Education
In a wider context, education highlights the significance of community in Pulaski. The Mildred Elley School offers vital support through various programs, including associate degrees and vocational training that empower individuals to improve their career prospects in fields such as medical assistance and practical nursing. Each program emphasizes enhancing both professional skills and communication abilities, ideal for those looking to make a difference in their communities.
In the spirit of Mildred’s dedication to family and community, educational opportunities like these play a key role in uplifting and enriching lives in Pulaski and beyond. It all comes together when people come together to create a supportive, thriving community.
As the family prepares to say goodbye to Mildred, they do so with the understanding that her legacy will live on in all the connections she fostered, offering a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment.