Grace Sturkie Sloan

COLUMBIA - A celebration of life for Grace Sturkie Sloan, 71, will be held 1 p.m. Monday, May 24, 2010, at Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, with visitation following. Private entombment will be held in Greenlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Mrs. Sloan passed away May 21, 2010. Born March 5, 1939, in Greenville, she was the daughter of the late Talmadge Sturkie and Louise Lavender Sturkie. She was predeceased by her husband of 35 years, Dr. Charles R. Sloan.

Enthusiasm for life best describes Grace. She lived life eagerly and to the fullest, having many interests. As a loving wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister and aunt, she delighted in having her home filled with family for any and every holiday or special occasion. One of her favorite pastimes was being with and entertaining her grandchildren.

A longtime member of Kathwood Baptist Church, she was involved in many ways. Grace especially enjoyed working with the children's and youth programs, chairing various committees and directing the Children's Choir for several years. More recently, she had enjoyed membership in Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

In 1961 Grace graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.A. degree in music education. As a student, she was president of and soloist for the U.S.C. Chorus. She also served as president of Delta Omicron, a professional music fraternity, and was awarded the Star of Delta Omicron during her senior year.

Because of her special love for children, Grace was a Children's Advocate and served on the National Board of Advisors for the Department of Education, U.S.C. She was chairperson of the former Women's Board at Baptist Hospital in 1992. Her involvement with this board led to her leading in fundraising, which benefited Women's and Children's Services. Grace was the first female to be elected president of the Columbia Toastmasters Club.

Having a vital interest in art, Grace enjoyed spending much time studying and pursuing her talent, producing many lovely landscape paintings. She looked forward to happy times at their Surfside Beach home as well as traveling to other places. One of her favorite destinations was London, England, and she and Charlie cruised to many interesting places over the world.

She is survived by her daughters, Susan Tollison, Lexington, Jodi Tollison Robinson and husband, Roy, Grayson, Ga., Suzanne Sloan, Columbia, Jennifer Sloan Lewis and husband, Tom, Amelia Island, Fla.; grandchildren, Zack and Kevin Robinson, Brent Lewis, Lora Lewis Ellis and husband, Layton; great-grandson, Tripp Ellis; sister, Mary Lou Sturkie Wessinger, Lexington; nephew, Jefferson Sturkey and wife, Tatum, Simpsonville, and their young twin daughters; sister-in-law, Margaret Sloan Courtney; and special friend, Dr. Janis Cooper. She will be greatly missed by all of these and her many wonderful and loving friends.

The family would like to thank all of the caring workers with Daybreak Adult Care Services and Harmony Care Hospice. Your care for our Grace will never be forgotten and you made Grace's last few months of life a special time for her.

Memorials may be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation, Attn: Donor Services, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309 or (ww5.komen.org/donate/donateonline.html).

Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.