Mrs. Nellie Irene Sloan

The Life Of Nellie Irene Sloan: Nellie "Irene" Sloan was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania on December 11, 1925, to James Arthur and Christine Hill Goines. The oldest of five children, Irene grew up in Saginaw, Michigan where she was guided by the love and care of a family environment and at an early age she found Christ and became a member of the Bethel AME Church. Later years Irene met and married Felix Sloan and from that union they had two sons Rodney and David. Irene worked very hard as an automotive worker, daycare worker and many other odd jobs to earn a Bachelor's degree from the Wayne State University School of Social Work. As a social worker she lived her dream and worked in the Detroit area. For six years her dedication and commitment to the clients extended above and beyond the call of duty. Thirty years later, there are still clients who talk about the impact she had on their lives. Wanting to do more, Irene returned to Wayne State University and earned a teaching certificate in Early Childhood Development Education. After graduating she immediately found a position as a kindergarten teacher at the Balch Elementary School and from there realizing the importance of working with parents and children, Irene was accepted as a staff person for the Head Start Program which provided her the opportunity to work directly as a head teacher and then as an administrator of parent education in a comprehensive environment that in the future would benefit the development of the entire family. Irene demonstrated enormous passion and took great pride in making Head Start parents feel empowered in the success of their kids with respect to the school system. She was a tireless advocate for the parents and broke down barriers that obstructed the kids' success. She taught the Head Start parents that their voice can be heard if used in the right way. Among her many affiliations, Irene was a life member of N.A.A.C.P and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. Her passion, commitment and dedication as a mother, wife, sister, educator, parent advocate and community leader defines her legacy in all the lives she's touched. To this end, Irene you are praised, honored and respected....your spirit will be continued. "This Is Your Day."

Mrs. Nellie Irene Sloan

December 11, 1925 - December 11, 2013