We celebrate the remarkable life of Winifred “Wicky” Ann (Graham) Sleight, who passed away peacefully on August 24, 2025, at the age of 82.
Born on March 26, 1943, in Carrollton, Missouri, Wicky lived a life marked by curiosity, generosity, and an unrelenting drive to connect with others. She was the beloved daughter of Charles and Josephine Graham, and dear sister to Eads. Throughout her life, she carried with her the values of hard work, community service and a joyful spirit.
Wicky was a proud graduate and lifelong fan of the University of Missouri, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in library science and becoming a member of the Alpha Phi sorority. She later served on the St. Louis County University of Missouri Extension Council. Her education fueled her passion for reading, learning and community service, which would become the foundation of her life’s work.
Wicky was a trailblazer and her storied career took her to many places. She first moved to Austin, Texas, working in local government before returning to Columbia, Missouri, where she worked in state government in Jefferson City. Wicky then moved to Marshall and began her career as a library director, helping to establish the first public library in Marshall – a gift that continues to serve the community today. Wicky spent 15 years as the director of the Kirkwood Public Library before eventually returning to Marshall, the community that remained closest to her heart. Along the way, she touched countless lives through her work as a librarian, encouraging generations to embrace books as well as advocating for access to technology in the library.
A lifelong learner and avid reader, Wicky was also deeply involved in civic life and a proud member of many community organizations, including Rotary International, the Missouri Humanities Council, Covenant Presbyterian Session, DAR, and Friends of Arrow Rock. In 2002, she was awarded the Governor’s Humanities Award, and in 2024, recognized as Rotarian of the Year. She believed in the power of people working together and was always ready to lend her time and talents to causes she believed in.
Wicky marched to the beat of her own drum. She spoke her mind honestly and directly, with a wit and boldness that made her unforgettable. Those who knew her best admired her independence, her humor and her ability to live life on her own terms.
Among her greatest joys in life was her family. She was married for over 50 years to her college sweetheart, Hadley. They adopted two daughters, giving them not only a home but a lifetime of love and guidance. Later, they were surprised and delighted by the arrival of their son, completing the family that became the center of her heart. She was proud of her children and grandchildren, and loved to brag about each of them in her yearly Christmas letter.
She is survived by her children, Mayme Sleight of Tomball, TX, Hadley Ann (Jeff) Sims of Marshall, MO, Graham (Michelle) Sleight of Chicago, IL; six grandchildren, Kelsie (Ryan) Morris, Steven (Cierra) Sims, Kylie (Bailey) Sims, Katie (Corey) Sims, Stella Sleight, and Charles Sleight; two great-grandchildren, Rhett and Macie Morris. She is also survived by her feline companion, “Sissy”. Wicky was preceded in death by her sister, Eads, her parents, Charles and Josephine (Canaday) Graham, and her beloved husband, Hadley.
The family will hold a visitation at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 6, at Covenant Presbyterian Church of Marshall, MO, with a celebration of Wicky’s life following at 11 a.m. Friends and family are invited to gather, share stories, and raise a glass in her honor—just as she would have wanted.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Arrow Rock and the Covenant Presbyterian Church of Marshall.
Wicky’s legacy of learning, laughter, honesty, and community service will live on in all those who were fortunate enough to call her a friend.