Ursula Elisabeth Sommer Slimp, 83, of Laurel Crest Retirement Center in West Columbia, died Monday, April 2, 2018. Born on February 6, 1935, in Nurnberg, Germany, she was a daughter of the late Hans Sommer and Katy Bayer Sommer. After living with her family in Germany during World War II, she worked for Lufthansa Airlines. Ursula met her husband, Robert Louis Slimp, a chaplain in the U.S Army, stationed in Germany, while she sang in a choir that performed at one of his chapel services. They were married on September 10, 1960 and raised their family in Germany and the United States. They moved to Columbia, SC, in 1971, when her husband was posted to Ft. Jackson. Mrs. Slimp was a faithful pastor's wife, as her husband served three churches in Columbia. After his retirement, she became a member of The First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, where she was a very active member of the women's circle. Ursula was an amateur ice skater, skier, and an excellent tennis player, having been South Carolina state singles tennis champion for her age group in the 1970's and 1980's. She was a passionate gardener, especially at her home in Forest Acres.

Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Chaplain (Lt. Col) Robert Louis Slimp, US Army (Ret.) of Laurel Crest Retirement Center; sons, Louis Hans Slimp of Los Angeles, CA, Stephen Slimp of Meridian, MS, Thomas Slimp of Columbia, SC; and three granddaughters, Elisabeth Slimp of Meridian, MS, Susannah Slimp of Clearwater, FL, and Mary Slimp of Meridian, MS.

The funeral service for Mrs. Slimp will be held 11 o'clock, Friday, April 6th, at First Presbyterian Church of Columbia, 1324 Marion Street, Columbia. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 10 o'clock in Jackson Hall. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.