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Joni Sledge
1956 - 2017
Joni Sledge
1956 - 2017
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1956
DIED
2017
Joni Sledge Obituary
Publicist Biff Warren told The Associated Press that she was found dead in her home by a friend. The cause of death wasn't immediately determined.
Sledge, alongside her sisters Debbie, Kim, and Kathy, formed the singing group Sister Sledge in Philadelphia in 1971. Their biggest hit, “We Are Family,” was released in 1979 and reached No. 1 on the R&B charts and No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Written and produced by Chic’s Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards, the song became an anthem of female empowerment and celebration and was used as a theme song for the 1979 World Series champion Pittsburgh Pirates.
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The family released a statement: “On yesterday, numbness fell upon our family. We welcome your prayers as we weep the loss of our sister, mother, aunt, niece and cousin.”
Sledge is survived by her adult son, sisters, and several other family members.
328 Entries
Murray
June 1, 2025
I pray that our energies meet one day. You were an amazing talent and woman. Your voice is needed today.
vic/terry tillinghast
April 13, 2024
joni: rip we loved, we are family!
Edy cabge
February 27, 2024
Im sorry your lost ,from México city ....i love you
Deborah King
September 13, 2023
Happy Heavenly Birthday Joni Rest In Paradise 9\13/23
How you can show support
Valerie Thierry
September 12, 2021
I don't know if it's ever to late to make a statement in a situation like this. But I used to love Sister Sledge the first time I ever saw them was in the 70's when they performed on American Bandstand. I hurt because of the fact that she is gone but I am thankful that I was able to enjoy her time among us.
michelleadams
June 26, 2021
myprayersandcondolancestoherfamilyandshellbemissedbythemusicandfamilyandotherrealitives.illmissmycousinverymuchandinmythoughtseveryday.
Mark Willis
December 12, 2019
Joan we miss your smile.
Natalie Stopka
March 9, 2018
So sad that you left us. RIP< Joni Sledge.
Lisa Yamani
January 30, 2018
Joni you were radiant light of sunshine your talent along with your sisters your legacy will live on Rest In Peace with the angels watching over you with wings you will surely be missed and never forgotten and to the sledge Family May god comfort you and your love ones through this difficult time Love to rest sledge sisters we love you Joni
T H
January 5, 2018
I am so sorry for your loss. JOAN had such a beautiful spirit and smile, she will be missed by all family, friends and fans. May the God of all comfort, comfort you and your family throughout the years to come for your loss. My deepest sympathy.
November 24, 2017
As part of your extended FAMILY I would like to express my condolences. My family can only imagine the pain of heart that is being experienced by all who were very close to her. May the God of ALL comfort soothe sting that death causes.
Circa 1981.
November 14, 2017
Circa 1981.
November 14, 2017
Circa 1981.
November 14, 2017
Bettie mae Smith
October 17, 2017
R.I.P joni
Rev. Michael Blackwell
September 29, 2017
Sledge Family may God continue to encourage and bless you with the strength to find meaning in the things we just don't understand. Kim bless you and your Ministry as I to did receive and answer the call from the Lord and have now been Pastoring for over 20 years. Family Sledge you are forever in my Prayers, Reverend Michael Blackwell ([email protected])
May 27, 2017
Your dear one, Joni Sledge, her versatile singing talent will always be listened to and enjoyed by many for generations. During times like these we need to keep thinking about the good things in our life. Please be comforted that she is not suffering and is in God's memory - the best memory of all!
We are not alone and we can learn to trust in God to get the courage we need to face difficult times.
Linda
May 22, 2017
Though death can steal your loved one, it can never steal your love, it lives in your hearts, and it lives in your memories. May you hold fast those memories and they will help you to deal with this great loss. Life is so short and those we love are gone from our lives too quickly. May the God of loyal love comfort you during your time of sorrow. My sincere condolences on your loss.
Etta Walker
May 2, 2017
My sincere condolences to the Sledge Family. I grew up listening to Sister Sledge. My granddaughter and I enjoy singing, "we are family" together. So sorry for your loss!
Chloe Stapp
April 26, 2017
I grew up listening to Sister Sledge. Such a loss! While I never had the honor of truly knowing her my heart still goes out to her son and her sisters who no doubt miss her every single day! Grief can be hard especially as you face the first year without Joni, but the love of family and friends along with this promise Isa65:17 can help you carry through. Please accept my condolences!
Ella Ardoin
April 24, 2017
Weeping may endure Brit a night. Joy come in the morning
Ella Ardoin
April 24, 2017
Weeping may endure Brit a night. Joy come in the morning
Laverne Oliver
April 22, 2017
My condolences to the family. She is now singing in heaven. RIP Joni
Beverley Lucas
April 2, 2017
Thank you for bringing happiness and joy with your beautiful God gifted voice. Rest in Eternal Peace. My Sincere Condolences to the family.
Felicia Mathews
April 1, 2017
A precious one from us is gone
A voice we loved is still
A place is vacant in our home, which never can be filled.
She will not be forgotten
Though on earth she is no more.
But in memory, she is with us
As she always was before.
RIL JONI SLEDGE
To Son, Sisters Sledge,Other family members
And all Fans look to God..."We are family"
Gaila
March 31, 2017
My sincere condolences to all family and friends of Joni Sledge. I had the privilege of being up close and personal with Sister Sledge in Fort Lauderdale, Florida at Joe Namath's Bachelor 111 Club; during the 70's . Great energy, very talented woman. So it's sad to learn of this vibrant woman passing away. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts those who mourn"; sustain you all during this truly difficult time. Isaiah 61: 1,2.
March 31, 2017
I have wonderful memories of their music that always made us feel like we were a part of their family. we truly mis you.
kenny
March 31, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about Joni i knew of her family's music, I read the bible and i know it can comfort your family, keep on reading it, it is our water for life, keeping all mankind in my prayers
Elana Hayes
March 29, 2017
May Her light shine forever , prayers to the Sister Sledge family & friends, Joni lives enterity RIP.
byron marks
March 27, 2017
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
JENNIFER BARIBAULT
March 27, 2017
TO THE SLEDGE FAMILY.
THERE ARE NO WORDS THAT ANY ONE COULD SAY AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME. IT WAS SO SAD TO HEAR THAT WE HAVE LOST A TALENTED SINGER JONI SLEDGE FRO SISTER SLEDGE. I WAS GROWING UP IN THE 70'S HEARING WE ARE FAMILY PLAYING ON THE RADIO WHICH I WAS SINGING, DANCING TO THE SONG, THAT WAS MY FAVORITE SONG, ALSO, I SEEN THEM ON AMERICAN BANDSTAND, 1984 IN SEASON 10 EPISODE 16 OF THE JEFFERSON THAT SISTER SLEDGE APPEAR IN FLORENCE SINGING GROUP, WHICH WE COULD STILL CATCH THE RERUNS ON TV. I LIKE TO SAY THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES OF YOUR MUSIC WHICH IT WILL LIVE ON, SHE WILLBE MISSED AND NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. WE ALL KNOW THAT SHE IS IN A GOOD PLACE NOW WHICH THE ANGELS ARE TAKING GOOD CARE HER. JUST CHERISH THE MEMORIES THAT YOU HAVE WITH YOUR SISTER. MY THOUGHTS, PRAYERS ARE YOU & YOUR FAMILY. RIP ENTERNAL FLAME. JONI SLEDGE
Carolyn Wallace-Murray
March 27, 2017
To The Sledge Family,
May the Lord surround your family at this sorrowful time of bereavement. May all of your fondest memories of your loving times with Joni forever dwell within your hearts, spirits and souls. These are the special places Joni's spirit will remain steadfast. I will treasure my memories of Joni and Sister Sledge always. Being absent from the earthly bodies is to be spiritually with GOD. We Love you but God loved you more and wanted you back in the heavens with him. RIHP Joni
Kathy we will keep you and your sisters in our prayers.
Lenise Miller
March 26, 2017
Renee Degree
March 26, 2017
R I P
March 26, 2017
My prayers are with the Sledge family. Rest in pease my sister.
March 26, 2017
My favorite sister, Rest In Peace.
March 26, 2017
Dear Kathy,
I extend my sincere condolences to you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May you be comforted with warm memories of your dear sister. Keep those memories close. Love and prayers to you and your family.
Arlita Abdur Rahim
Glenside Elementary School
Cheltenham School District
Tony Flood
March 26, 2017
May you rest in eternal peace Joni as you and your sisters have brought us so much joy over the years. To Cathy and the rest of the family may God bless you during this time
Carmelo Santiago
March 26, 2017
You will be miss rest in paradise Joni sweet angel of God
Pamala Hutchings
March 25, 2017
My sisters and I has young children always saying We Are Family it helped give us peace of mind in the world that was so ever-changing thank you Joni Sledge and your sister's Sister Sledge all you gave our family you are the reason that we are still family rest in peace Miss Joni Sledge sing on Pamala Hutchings South Philadelphia I represent
Mark Coleman
March 25, 2017
Always and Forever
Sandra Waller
March 25, 2017
RIP Joni...My Family and I are Great Fans of Sister Sledge .We are Singing Group and the Song We Family has been our Theme Song for Weddings for Many Years ! God Bless You!
Sleepy Caldwell
March 25, 2017
So sorry to hear the news of Joni. Back in the day that 'We Are Family" album brought me so much joy and to see how happy the girls were to be together. Joni had such a personality and it resonated through the television on SOUL Train and American Bandstand. My condolences go out to Joni's family, Sister Sledge, her son and her other family, syay strong togeyhet, lean on each other. May. Joni rest in peace!!!!!
JOHN WOODS
March 25, 2017
SISTER SLEDGE WAS ONE OF MY FAV SINGING GROUPS. THEY WERE IN THE RIGHT PLACE & RIGHT TIME TO HAVE BEEN PRODUCED BY "CHIC". JONI REST IN PEACE SISTER".
Tyra Rouse
March 25, 2017
Thank you Joni for your friendship and your support of St Mary's High School. Our community will always remember your generosity and love. You were our family!
LYNDA KENT
March 24, 2017
My heartfelt condolences to the Sledge sisters and family. Thanks for the memories from Olney High and sharing your sister's smile, spirit, and talent with the world. Prayers going up for you.
Carol Harper-Holden
March 24, 2017
Thank you Joni Sledge for the great music. I am a fan of you and your sisters. I grew up listening to Sister Sledge. I was so saddened to hear of your passing. Love you and your sisters. Sending prayers to her son, sisters and other family members. God is giving you strength and comfort during this time. God bless the whole family.
Sam Allen
March 24, 2017
My sincere sympathy and condolences to Joni's son, sisters and entire family. Thanks for the music and love down through the years. Keep doing what you do best.
..."Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
Patricia
March 24, 2017
May you rest in peace Joni.
Carroll
March 24, 2017
Rest in Paradise Ms. Sledge
Cornelius Coble
March 23, 2017
May your soul sleep in peace until our Lord returns to gather us to Himself
Rita
March 23, 2017
You are now singing in heaven how awsome that must be I wish that you had many more years to spend with family & sing with sister sledge. God has the final say. Joni rest forever in Gods love..
Robyn
March 22, 2017
To the Sledge Family,
Was so sad to hear if the loss of my favorite Sledge sister. I felt i knew them personally. They attended Olney High in Philadelphia a few years prior to me. Also, saw Jonie and two sisters shopping in the NE in Philly. Perfect day if shopping for me. Jonie will be missed but we miss all of Sister Sledge. Rest in peace Joni.
Andrea
March 22, 2017
Dear Sledge Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss, please accept my heartfelt sympathies. May the peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts.
Tor Ferrara
March 22, 2017
Too Young to die. MY Condolences to You, dear.
Tor Ferrara
March 22, 2017
Too Young to die. MY Condolences.
Juanelle Bartlett
March 21, 2017
So sorry for your loss. Sincerely praying for the family.
Jerry H
March 20, 2017
Joni was a dear friend. She was a bright light in my life. She's with God now and there's music and laughter in heaven!!!!!!
J. Desmond
March 20, 2017
I 'm sorry to hear of the loss of your Dear Love One. I just so happen to be watching the GPB program to night 3/20/17 and I asked myself where are the other sisters. I google and just read of the loss. WE ARE FAMILY was one of my favorite song as a child.
Sherry Lowe
March 20, 2017
I was 13 when I first heard Sister Sledge being a 13 year old girl from a poor family was hard and I was made fun of relentlessly. but I had my family and your song reminded me of that I think I'll call my sister right now sincerest condolences to Joni's family Rest in Peace
jacqui hoye
March 20, 2017
I remember when Sister Sledge was on American Bandstand and Joni spoke French so fluently. I will remember those dimples, that smile and always the music.
Lavern Martin
March 19, 2017
We all loved her too. Blessings to you and your family.
JOHN ME
March 19, 2017
I ONCE ASSISTED JONI AROUND EPCOT'S WORLD SHOWCASE, TAKING TO THE AMERICAN ADVENTURE WHERE THEY WERE PERFORMING THAT EVENING. SHE WAS SO KIND, SO SOFT SPOKEN. I WAS SHOCKED WHEN I HEARD OF HER PASSING!! MY HEART GOES OUT TO THE FAMILY!! - JOHN
Lucretia Gardner
March 19, 2017
I'm sorry about your loss and I am a huge fan of The Sister Sledge and love your music We Are Family. I give my condolences to the Sledge Family .
Lucretia Gardner
March 19, 2017
I'm sorry about your loss and I am a huge fan of The Sister Sledge and love your music We Are Family. I give condolences to the Sledge Family .
Barbara Willis
March 19, 2017
My sincere heartfelt sympathy on the passing of Joni Sledge. I am not going to pretend that I knew her...but when you grew up listening to certain musicians, you nearly feel as though as if you knew them! Ms. Sledge was a very beautiful talented lady whom I know someday will be reunited with her family. GOD BLESS YOU! My prayers are with you all!
E- Claire
March 19, 2017
Heaven just got a Sweet Treat...Shout out to Tavares.... They're not MISSING AN ANGEL anymore, Thanks to all for the Happy Memories,,my prayers & thoughts are with the Sledge Family Hugs & Smackaroos!!!!!!
Ms.Christine.D. Dickerson
March 19, 2017
To:The Sledge Family I was very sorry to hear about the passing off you "LL sister Join she was a loving and wonderful person that any_one wanted to meet,I will never forget you"LL concert that you all did in Atlanta Georgia while living in Atlanta Georgia a while ago.But I want you all to know I feel you"LL pain.I loss two sister's with in seven years.just remember John 14:1_2 Let not your heart be troubled,Believe in God,believe also in me.Kathy, Kim,and Debbie keep looking too the hills because that is where your health cometh.Me&My Daughter Prayers are with you all.Your Sister In Christ,With Love.
Darlene Tyler
March 19, 2017
My deepest sympathy to the Sledge Family. I am lifting your family up in prayer that God will comfort you during this difficult time. Thank you, Joni for your artistic contribution to the World. R.I.H. sing with the angels.
Cozette Tyler
March 18, 2017
I'm sorry to hear of her death Joni Sledge I miss her as part of the group. I loved the song we are family
Margaret Ann Brewer-Brodie
March 18, 2017
May the grace of God give you comfort as you mourn the loss of your Loved one!
Margaret Ann Brewer-Brodie
March 18, 2017
May the grace of God give you comfort as you mourn the loss of your Loved one!
In our hearts forever
Christina Jones
March 18, 2017
So sad to hear of Joni's passing my heart broke pain inconsolable...my prayers heart tears go to the Sledge family Debbie her sister friend and son Thad..especially I can't form words adequate enough to express my heart...My thoughts and prayers are with you all Love you so much..I speak peace and grace to carry you through
Tonia Williamson
March 18, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. I feel like I've lost apart of my family also. I loved your group. Praying for your family
Lea
March 18, 2017
I remember back in the late seventies when Joni and her sisters would sing with my neighbors On Uber St. When they sung the song "We are Family" on TV, I would tell everybody I knew the Sledge sisters. I send my most genuine and sincere condolences to her family and friends. May the memories of joy and laughter from a shared past, help carry you through your sorrow. And may the peace that God provides, sustain you. (Philippians 4:7)
Eileen Collier
March 18, 2017
So,So sorry for your loss, I grew up dancing and just loving Sister Sledge music,,I've got all your albums.Sister Sledge music will live on forever,,,,disco is the best!!!God Bless
March 18, 2017
To the family of Joni Sledge,
Sorry for your loss, may the Lord give you strength and comfort. Our prayers are with you.
Love
Genevieve Brown and Family
March 18, 2017
There is truly a blessing to have siblings as you are growing up. As one of eight I would not trade it for anything. Like you I too recently experienced the unexpected loss and heartache of loosing my sister. I can say the pain will lessen but only the promise of seeing her smiling face and her laughter again (John 11:24-26) is what keeps me encouraged. My thoughts and sincere condolences on the loss of your dear sister Joni. Atl GA
March 18, 2017
So sorry to hear about Joni. God Bless Joni and her family. Keith Leblanc Millis, MA
Laura Coratti
March 17, 2017
R.I.P. Joni. Thanks for all your music. The microphone might go quiet but your music will live on. My Condolences to your sisters and family.
Kelvin Jones
March 17, 2017
Glory unto the Father. In whom we all must face. To the family my pray unto you. Joni was and still will be a inspiration along with the rest of the Sledge sisters and family. Because when you look at the big picture, We Are Family. May God bless.
Bonita Causey
March 17, 2017
Sorry for your lost.Rest in peace Joni.You will be missed.
Clementeen Wilbon
March 17, 2017
May you have Eternal Peace, I thank God for your gift while here on Earth! Your Beautiful voice will live on.
Barbara Sweatt
March 17, 2017
I enjoyed listening to Sister Sledge and I'm sorry for your loss. Heaven has received an angel. My thoughts and prayers are with the Sledge family
Mrs. Jenkins
March 17, 2017
I am very sorry to hear about your loss. I always lifts my spirit to hear The Sisters song "we are family". God will give you comfort. My payers go out to you all.
Sincerely,
Mrs J. Jenkins
Norvela Fluddrice~
March 17, 2017
Lighted candles aRe sent your way from Charleston, as sympathetic grieving of your "We Are Family" Sister's passing. May you gain the strength, knowledge & understanding of transition. -2godbetheglory-pray for me, I'll pray for you. Inhisholyname. Amen.
A Gibbs
March 17, 2017
My deepest condolences to the Sledge Family and friends.
Lorita Seaton
March 17, 2017
We'll be missing you. See you on the other side. Much love.
Dennis McKinney
March 17, 2017
Thanks for the memories, may God bless your soul..!
DJ Coach McKinney
Barbara Spencer
March 17, 2017
My Condolences to the Sledge Family!! May she rest in peace...
michelle plakas-kaiser
March 17, 2017
RIP
March 17, 2017
May the happy God (Psalms 83:18) of all comfort be with the family and many friends of Joni, Death show us how frail we really are. It take it all away from us. But those we love don't go away from us, because their memories stay close to our heart and thoughts. Please accept my deepest and heart condolence at your most challenging moment. Lee
Ann Petties
March 17, 2017
I remember how my aunt, my sister, and I use to dance all day to you all's album, my heart is sadden. My condolences and prayers goes out to you all.
denise
March 17, 2017
To the Sledge Family you have my deepest sympathy.I grow up to the song that made my sisters & i close.I to lost my sister 13 yrs ago.And when i hear your song we are family it brings so much memories.So let that song keep those memories of her.My Prayers goes out to you & your Family.God Bless.Shes your Angel now.
Antoinette Calhoun
March 17, 2017
I am going
I am going to miss you I was crazy a about sister sledge you girls want
E
Was awesome I da
Thanks
Cheryl Mims-Grier
March 16, 2017
Rest In Paradise Dear Joni.
Demetrius
March 16, 2017
My heart dropped the day I found out of Joni's passing as a little boy I remember listening to their records in the early 1980's and I haven't stopped listening to their music since. All this week I've felt the pain of this lost, but I still have those childhood memories of watching that record player go around and hearing those angelic voices coming from it. God Bless and comfort the Sledge Family. Please get all sisters back together, Kathy, Debbie, and Kim.
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