Geraldine Coplen Sloan made a peaceful journey home on March 2, 2013. There is now singing and dancing in heaven as she left her paralyzed earthly body of twelve years to be with her Lord. Geraldine, known as Jerry or Gigi to her friends, was born September 19, 1922 to Vesta Beulah Parks and Eldridge Nixon Coplen in Eastland, Texas. Her family later moved to Abilene, Texas. She graduated from Abilene High School while employed as a model and menswear clerk at Minter Department Store. After high school, she took classes at Draughan's Business College and went to work for Barq's Bottling Company. In January 1943, she married Clarence William Sloan while he was stationed in the Army Air Force base in Abilene. After the war, they made their home in Abilene. In 1952, Clarence opened Bagwell Furniture Store in downtown Midland. It was later renamed, Sloan-Bagwell Furniture when they relocated on West Wall. Jerry's first love was First Christian Church where she enjoyed serving as Sunday school teacher in the children's department, Vacation Bible School Director, CWF President, and Church Women United President. With a co-chair, she started Meals on Wheels Program in the kitchen of First Christian Church. She was later given the honor of Deaconess Emeritus. She loved her community activities of Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Leader, PTA President at Fannin Elementary, En Amie Book Review Club member, Midland Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and lifetime volunteer member of Trinity Towers (later called Manor Park). Jerry and Clarence enjoyed travels in their motor home with friends and relatives, playing bridge, square dancing and spending many good times in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Since 2007, Geraldine has resided in Dallas and most recently at the Pearl Nordan Care Center of Juliette Fowler Homes in Dallas. Geraldine is preceded in death by her husband, Clarence, and son, Gary Neil Sloan. She is survived by her daughter, Deborah and son-in-law, Ronald Pettie, of Dallas, grandson Paul Pettie of Houston and granddaughter Paige Pettie of Dallas. Services will be held Wednesday, March 6 at First Christian Church at 11:00am with Reverend Mike Hunter presiding. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Pallbearers include: Mel Harp, Kent Sloan, Gene Sloan, Clint Sloan, Ray Holder, and Paul Pettie. Honorary Pallbearer is Frank Singleton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Juliette Fowler Home, 1234 Abrams Road, Dallas, Texas 75214. Online condolences may be made to www.ellisfunerals.com

Published in Midland Reporter-Telegram on March 5, 2013