Mrs. Iva Cornelia Johnson Sloan, age 98, died peacefully in Sanford at NC Central Carolina Hospital. She was born on January 2, 1912, at the Johnson's family Harnett County home near Lillington. Her parents were Mary Ellen Gaskin and Dallas Delmon Johnson of long standing heritage in NC. She was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, Prentiss Watson Sloan.
Mrs. Sloan attended Lillington High School and East Carolina University earning a degree in Education. She was greatly involved in both professional and civic endeavors. She served Harnett County as Assistant County Auditor, Tax Supervisor, Assistant Tax Collector, Tax Collector, and Deputy Clerk of Superior Court. As an elementary teacher of K-fourth grade at Kipling's Lafayette School for twenty-two years, she touched and influenced many lives. Her many activities and offices included President of the Harnett County Unit of NCEA, involvement at the national level with NEA and the ACT, President of the Association of Classroom Teachers, Advisory Board of Harnett County Teachers, Charter Member of the Order of the Eastern Star Grand Chapter of NC, District Deputy Grand Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Charter Member of the Business and Professional Women's Association, and President of the Retired School Personnel of Harnett County. She enjoyed assisting the Shriners and other groups with their annual fund raising efforts.
As an avid bridge player, she enjoyed involvement with the Wednesday Afternoon Bridge Club. She was a member of the Prime Time Club. Her love of gardening was reflected in her involvement with the Four Seasons Garden Club of Lillington.
A true Southern lady of the Old School, she had strong political involvement, a great love for family and for her students and they for her, and a strong involvement in her churches. Religious ties were with Neill's Creek Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School and where her ancestors had worshipped, and Lillington Baptist Church.
After retiring, she and Prentiss traveled extensively around the country with their Airstream of America Club. She served as Secretary of the Wally Byrem Club.
Regardless of the joys of travel, NC was Mrs. Sloan's happy home. She was proud to be a Tarheel, and, with Prentiss, enjoyed time at their cabin in the mountains and many visits to the coast.
Mrs. Sloan was honored during Lillington's 100th Anniverasry for having served as first May Queen of Lillington High School among her many other honors.
The visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Wednesday, June 23, at O'Quinn-Peebles Funeral Home in Lillington. The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 am, Thursday, June 24 at Lillington Baptist Church followed by burial at Harnett Memorial Park.
Mrs. Sloan is survived by three nephews and their families, J. Robert Warren of Wilmington, Mr. and Mrs. Dallas H. Pope of Lillington, and Mr. and Mrs. Howard E. Pope of Chocowinity.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lillington Baptist Church; P. O. Box 670; Lillington, NC.
Funeral service will be conducted 11:00 AM Thursday, July 24, 2010 at Lillington Baptist Church with Rev. Ken Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Harnett Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00-8:00 PM.