Sarah Ray Sloan

Sarah Lucille Ray Sloan joined her beloved husband, Wiley G. Sloan, in heaven on Friday, November 18, 2022.

The fourth of six children born to Rev. Albert and Mrs. Alouise Ray, Sarah was a lifelong Methodist, and she and Wiley built their lives around their church and community endeavors.  

Born in Milburn, Kentucky, Sarah Lucille (named for her mother’s cherished sister, Lucille) grew up moving throughout her childhood as her father pastored Methodist organizations throughout Georgia. She graduated from Montgomery County High School and from Georgia Southern, with a Bachelor’s in home sciences and went to work for Georgia Power as a home economist. Sarah met Wiley in Columbus, Georgia and married him there in 1979.

In what was then a male-dominated field, Sarah stood tall. Through her distinct combination of applied and learned knowledge, Sarah rose to positions of increasing scope and scale in the Georgia Power organization across more than 35 years of service, ultimately retiring as the regional manager of community affairs.

After retirement, Sarah and Wiley permanently relocated to their treasured Highlands, North Carolina community, where they had a second home for years. There Sarah rolled-up-her-sleeves to dig into volunteer positions through the Highlands United Methodist Church and the Mountain Garden Club, her favorite activities being the Highlands Christmas Parade and the annual plant sale. They also shared their love of antiques through a consulting business that ranged from appraisals to estate sales. They spent their winter months cruising around the world – from Alaska to Turkey and many ports in between.

When the issues of age and health collided, Sarah and Wiley sold their home on Big Bear Pen and scaled down to a condominium in Highlands and a townhome near family in Athens. Sarah became active at Athens First United Methodist Church, became a member of the Outreach Sunday School class and its Bible Study.  

Sarah is preceded in death by her husband, Wiley G. Sloan and brother, Dr. Al W. Ray, Jr. (Kay), and is

survived by four siblings: John Ray (Sue), Freeda R. Chapman (Harold), Rita Hollingsworth (Thomas F. II), and Kathy R. King (Russell). Numerous nieces and nephews, as well as great nieces and nephews will continue the family legacy of service in their respective communities. A deep appreciation to the vast family of friends who supported Sarah in recent years and her devoted caregiver Nicole Hull as well as Abundance of Care.

A service of remembrance will be held on Monday, December 5, 2022 at 11 a.m. at Athens First UMC, 327 N Lumpkin St, Athens 30601 with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asked that memorials be made to Athens First UMC or the charity of their choice. Online condolences may be left on the Tribute Wall at lordandstephens.com.

Lord and Stephens Funeral Home, WEST, Watkinsville, GA, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com

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