Julie Kristen Schroeder, 42 - Travelers Rest

Julie Kristen Schroeder, age 42, went to be with her Lord and Savior February 10, 2016. She passed peacefully, with dignity and grace, surrounded by her loving family. Kristen’s strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love and prayers of family, friends and many supporters carried her through six months of chemotherapy. Throughout her struggle with cancer, she maintained a positive and uplifting attitude and reached out to others in need.

Kristen was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma January 28, 1974. She was the daughter of Martha S. White (Bruce) of Travelers Rest, SC and Terry M. Schroeder, M.D. (Paulette) of Sanford, NC. Kristen graduated from Travelers Rest High School and received her degree in International Studies from The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. She earned an MBA from Wake Forest University and eventually returned home to Travelers Rest.

Kristen managed the Travelers Rest location of Sherwin Williams and was an active member of The Greater Travelers Rest Chamber of Commerce and TEDxGreenville. In her spare time, she had many interests including reading and hiking with her dog. She cared deeply for her church, Slater United Methodist Church where she enjoyed leading the congregation in song.

In addition to her parents, Kristen is survived by siblings: Kelley Schroeder Moss (Joel) of Greer, SC, Betsy Schroeder Steifle (Chiles) of Travelers Rest, SC, Robert White of Greenville, SC, David White of Travelers Rest, SC, and Michael White (Mary Carney) of Travelers Rest, SC; step-brothers: Josh Pagan (Andrea) of Apex, NC and John Pagan (Trish) of Greenville, SC ; grandmother: Frances M. Bondurant of Pilot Mountain, NC ; uncles Stephen Schroeder (Margie) of Ijamsville, MD, Philip Schroeder (Debbie) of Stanley, NC, and David Spillman (Janet) of Winston-Salem, NC; aunt Julie Lewis of Pilot Mountain, NC; nephews: Grayson and Graham Moss and nieces: Mary Claire and Caroline Steifle; step-nephews Zachary Pagan, Skyler Pagan, and Will Pagan; step-niece Taylor Pagan; and special friends Steve and Annlynne Farr. Kristen is also survived by her ever affectionate dog, Oliver. Kristen was preceded in death by paternal grandparents, Milton and Kay Schroeder of Cornelius, NC; and maternal grandfather Louis C. Spillman, Jr., M.D. of Winston-Salem, NC.

Visitation for Kristen will be held at The Howze Mortuary on Saturday, February 13, 2016 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. A private Memorial Service will be held prior to the visitation at 10:00 a.m. at Slater United Methodist Church for Kristen’s family and members of Slater United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wood for Warmth Ministry at Slater United Methodist Church, PO Box 256, Slater, SC 29683, or Open Arms Hospice, 1836 W. Georgia Rd., Simpsonville, SC 29680.

Online condolences may be expressed here.