Jeanne Marie Sliman

Jeanne Marie Wheeldon Sliman, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and a pillar of the education community, passed away on July 20, 2025, at the age of 81. Known for her boundless compassion and unwavering dedication to educating others, Jeanne leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and service.

Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Jeanne carried a caring heart from a young age. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Work from Our Lady of Holy Cross College in New Orleans, Lousiana, and devoted her early career to mentoring teens through social agencies and coaching life skills to women with Down Syndrome. Jeanne later found her calling in Montessori education, where she nurtured young minds and championed new programs to broaden its reach. Her passion for learning and her commitment to shaping future generations will never be forgotten.

Beyond her career, Jeanne's greatest joy was her family. She cherished her 63-year love story with her devoted husband, Ernest, who affectionately called her his "little shortcake." Together, they built a beautiful life centered around family, faith, and love. Jeanne was happiest when surrounded by loved ones, enjoying a home-cooked meal in a warm, welcoming home.

Jeanne is survived by her loving children: George John Sliman of Mobile, Alabama, Suzanne Sliman Schaefer (Raymond) of New Orleans, Louisiana, Lisa Sliman Miller (Gregory) of New Orleans, Louisiana, Mary Elizabeth Sliman of Dallas, Texas, and Michael Patrick Sliman of Chattanooga, Tennessee; and she was a proud grandmother to her 14 grandchildren: Brandi Landry (Jerome), Tiffany Gomez, Ashley Mahne (Reid), Stephanie Heisler (Sean), Nicole Virgil (Nicholas), Jordan Schaefer, Gregory Cortinas (Casey), Christian Cortinas (Megan), Kaylie Sliman Whatley (Alec), Davis Sliman, Lizzy Sliman (Cody), Jakob Sliman, Joshua Sliman, and Jonah Sliman; and her 9 great-grandchildren: Roman, Emma Rae, Penelope, Evelyn, River, Ethan, Sophia, and Dominic. She also leaves behind a sister-in-law, Joan Sliman, brother-in-law, Gary Surdyke; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jeanne is preceded in death by her beloved husband Ernest Gene Sliman, her son David Michael Sliman, her parents Leo J. Wheeldon Sr. and Jeanne Marie Trouard, and her siblings: Irene Wade, Joyce May, and Leo J. Wheeldon Jr.

We want to thank the doctors and nurses at USA Health Providence Hospital and to the staff at Kauhale Health Assistant Living for their care given to Jeanne.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior Catholic Church, 1801 Cody Rd., Mobile, Alabama 36695, followed by a Funeral Mass at 2:00 p.m. with Father Prabhu Arockiasamy presiding.

A graveside committal service will follow at Mobile Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 6100 Three Notch Rd, Mobile, Alabama 36619, with a Celebration of Life immediately afterward back at Our Savior Catholic Church.

Jeanne's absence leaves a profound void in the hearts of those who knew her, but her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched. She is now home with her beloved Ernest.

May her gentle soul rest in eternal peace.