Audra Mallory Schleuger

Audra Mallory Schleuger left this world on February 14, 2026, in Simpsonville, SC.

Audra was born on October 14, 2013 in Huntersville, NC, to Allison and Louis Schleuger. Two and a half years later, she was promoted to Big Sister to her twin sisters, Elin and Molly. At the age of 5, she moved with her family to Simpsonville, SC.

After moving to Simpsonville, she enrolled in 5k at Kiddie Academy of Five Forks where she quickly made friends. This would prove to be the case everywhere she went because she never met a stranger. After a year there she enrolled at Rudolph Gordon School where she was a student until she passed away.

As she got older, she enrolled in dance at TDS Dance Studios and continued her studies in ballet and tap, eventually adding jazz, hip hop and contemporary styles. She was in the midst of her second year with their Performing Arts Company and looking forward to another successful competition season. At the heart of it all, was her love for ballet on pointe and she had been thrilled to start learning the art last summer. She was also involved in the Junior League Cotillion this season. Though certainly not the dance style of her choice, she was in class with friends who made it more manageable, even if she did have to actually dance with a boy.

Besides dance, her other favorite things were typical for a 12 year old: makeup, Tiktok dances, Dubai chocolate anything, Starbies and Culvers. She was always down for a trip to TJ Maxx or Target, or really anywhere she could negotiate getting herself a little "treat". She loved her friends, was always down for a sleepover and watched every single season and episode of Dance Moms (much to her Mom's dismay).

She had a personality so big that you actually felt her enter the room. Her smile and sense of humor were contagious. Though bold and brash, she had a soft, thoughtful heart of gold. She loved all animals, especially her cat, George, and was obsessed with babies. She loved to come to work with her Mom and sit in child watch and hold babies and twirl toddlers.

The loss of her leaves her family breathless. She was a force of nature who was loved by so many. If only she had believed herself how utterly amazing she was. Beautiful inside and out.

She leaves behind her mother and father, Allison and Louis Schleuger, and sisters, Elin and Molly Schleuger, of the home; grandparents, Louis Schleuger Jr and Sanae Schleuger of Seabrook, SC; aunt, Lucy Schleuger (JK Bowen), and cousin, Kyla Bowen of Midland, NC; and her pets, George, Oliver, and Monkee; godparents, Chris and Colleen Peterman of Troutman, NC; and her chosen family here in Simpsonville - Adam, Christy, Lyla and Ella Plous and Joe, Shelby, Lillie, Bailee and Daisy Jo Williams.

She was welcomed home by her maternal grandparents, Roger and Darlene Stepp; and dogs, Zuki and Dude; and cat, Simon. What a glorious reunion was had for them on that side of Heaven.

Friends, hold your kiddos tight. Tell them how much you love them, that they are seen, heard and loved beyond measure every day. This side of Heaven is a disaster and will try to swallow them up but we can't let that happen. Our kids are meant to undo our damage until we all reap the rewards of our suffering on the other side.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 5:15 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast followed by the Memorial Service at 5:30 p.m. Her service is to be a celebration of the most amazing 12 year old. Though there will be sadness, please come to remember her with joy if she touched your life. Wear pink and animal print because she would. Black was only for dance leotards in her wardrobe.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials made to the charity of your choice in honor of Audra.

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