Obituary for Mrs. Ruby Carleen Dimsdale

Carleen Sligh Dimsdale, 84, of Waleska, Georgia passed away peacefully on November 1, 2024.

Born in Atlanta on June 20,1940 to Elsie and Herbert Sligh, Carleen grew up in College Park, Georgia. She spoke fondly of her childhood and loved to share her stories and memories with the younger generations of her family. Particularly, she considered her years at College Park High School among the most treasured of her life. After graduating from CPHS in 1958, Carleen attended Georgia State University. Years later, she began working at Delta Airlines in reservations and, eventually, at Worldspan, where she enjoyed a long career as a trainer, working with travel agents all over the country.

Carleen found her greatest joy, undoubtedly, in her role as mother to her three sons. She delighted in their infectious rambunctiousness and had a way of soothing even the toughest of situations with an abundance of love and zero judgment. Whether nursing yet another broken bone, chatting about the latest high school party or hauling in a huge load of groceries, Carleen did it with love and a smile, and sometimes a self-deprecating joke. Her humility and down-to-earth sense of humor were a beacon of light to anyone who had the fortune of meeting her. As adults, Carleen’s sons continued to make her proud as they served their country in the Army and later in their respective careers, as fierce protectors of animals and as reflections of their kind, loving mom, friends to all and quick to find levity in life's challenges. In her grandson, Ethan, Carleen found a special source of joy and pride.

Carleen later met the love of her life, Roger Dimsdale, with whom she shared a beautiful marriage, first in their home in Morningside and eventually in Lake Arrowhead, where they cherished their community of friends and the peace of living on their quiet, wooded street with their dogs, Cookie and Oreo. Together with Roger, Carleen enjoyed cooking, reading, politics, neighborhood gatherings, visiting with family and, of course, a good glass of wine!

Carleen was predeceased by her parents, Elsie Ferguson Sligh and Herbert Sligh. She is survived by her beloved husband, Roger Dimsdale; dear sister and best friend, Carol Watkins; sons Chase Hagerman (Denise), Heidt Hagerman, and Cameron Hagerman (Jiu); grandson, Ethan Hagerman; sister-in-law Lynn Amis (Harvey); nieces, Traci Thomas and Temi Levy (Evan); great-nieces, Katherine Thomas, Annie Levy and Elisabeth Levy; dear friend, Eileen Harrell; and several cherished cousins, nephews and their families.

Arrangements handled by Darby Funeral Home, Canton, GA.