Mary A Sloan

Age 84, of Nashville transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life on Friday, April 20, 2018.

Mary Althea Sloan was born July 29th, 1933 in Nashville, TN and until April 20th the flame of her faith and spirit burned brightly and did not flicker.
She was the bright and beautiful second child of 10 lives brought into the world by Andrew and Althea Frierson.

Mary met her soulmate, Cordell Sloan, at Tennessee School for the Blind. She attended Tennessee State A&I until the needs of her growing family required all of her time and energy. While a loving mother of six children, her gifted mothering extended well beyond caring for her own children. She has been a powerful life affirming mother influence to many blessed to know her.

When Cordell was called to the ministry and to serve as a leader in the Civil Rights Movement she stood without fear alongside of him. She was the unshakable ground during turbulent days. She taught faith, courage, and fortitude through her strength in trying times and danger. She was the peace in the eye of the storm.

She and Cordell relocated to Philadelphia in 1966 where he pastored at the Temple United Presbyterian Church for 20 years. Mary was never without her inner light shining. As a pastors wife, she was a faithful transmitter of God’s grace. When a life threatening sickness visited Cordell, she was the anchor and pillar of life for the family. In her strong loving bonds we were able to do our best and together prevailed.


She returned to Nashville in 2000 to be closer with her sisters and brothers.
Her joy all her life included her siblings and extended family. She was a strong connection between the sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, grands, and in laws, and a sustaining presence in the amazing love and care network that is her family. She was love and encouragement unlimited.

Mary was a mighty friend to all, and a limitless source of prayer. Her life is a testimony to God’s goodness. She walked with God, always conscientious of spirit, able to ask herself what is the right thing to do, and then she would do it. Her dignity was fixed. Her conviction was lived and sung rather than spoken. Her heart was open to all and her life was compelling testimony to God”s active presence.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Cordell H. Sloan; siblings, Theodore Howard Frierson, Cassandra Frierson, Allie Hilda Gooch and James Edward Frierson; granddaughter, Courtney Brown; daughter-in-law, Rasheeda Sloan; and son-in-law, Robert Berry, Jr.

She is survived by her children, Clifford Sloan, Cordell Sloan Jr (Lonnie Moseley), Karen Sloan-Brown (Cornelius ), Christopher Sloan (Sherron) and Althea Sloan; grandchildren, Dr. Jameel Sloan, Kristy Sloan Butler (William), Brianna Reed, Kimberly Brown, Nefetari Sloan, Kelly Berry, Robert Berry III, Casey Brown and Michael Berry; great grandchildren, Jameera Sloan, Jayla Sloan, William Butler III, Janelle Sloan, Kristiana Butler and Canon Butler; siblings, Andrew (Annie) Frierson, Jr., Addie (Joseph) Bodie, Lilly (George) Lester, Carolyn Washington and Michael (Stefania) Frierson; nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.


Strength and dignity are her clothing and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
Proverbs 31: 25-26