Rether Mae Sloan

SISTER RETHER MAE SLOAN affectionately known by some as “MuM” was born on June 18th, 1927 in Hope, Arkansas to Elmo and Willie Mae Haskins. She was the 4th child out of eight children. Rether Mae received her education in Hope, Arkansas. She accepted the Lord as her personal savior at an early age and was baptized under the leadership of Pastor Gene Wyatt of Boyd Hill Baptist Church.

Rether Mae met and fell in love with Robert Jones. In 1943 they united in Holy Matrimony and to this union three children were born: Betty R., George and Betty L., “Punkin”. In 1949, Rether Mae relocated to Santa Monica, California joining her family. She attended Friendship Baptist Church under Pastor Leonard Clayton. May of 1958 she moved her membership to Greater Morning Star Baptist Church, Santa Monica, California under Pastor C. W. Williams where she continued her discipleship under Pastor Michael Larry, Jr. until her health began to decline. She was an active member of the church serving in the Choirs, member of the Church School, General Mission, President of the Senior Usher Board and regularly attending Mid-Week worship. When asked to serve on God’s agenda, Rether Mae was a Willing Worker. Continuing life challenges, she added six more children to her family: Willie Marie, Stella “Bathsheba”, Linda Faye, Anderson “Spudnik”, John and Andre.  On December 25, 1968 she married her beloved husband Gilbert Sloan and was blessed in this union 46 years. Rether Mae was very active in the community. She provided In-Home Support Service for 50 plus years to the Community and Family Members. Her passion was traveling as often as possible.

Rether Mae was preceded in death by her parents: Elmo and Willie Mae Haskins; Husband Gilbert Sloan; Siblings: Harden Haskins, Bobby Lee Haskins, Lerlene Cheatham Martin, Anna Belle Bray and Darlene Haskins; Children: Willie Marie Maxwell, Stella Louise Mitchell, Linda Faye Smith, John Leslie Smith. Precious Grandsons whom she loved dearly: Pierre and Tony Pylot. Beloved Son-in-Laws: Wayne Epps, Dana Mitchell and Joe Briggs.

Rether Mae leaves to cherish lasting memories: Sisters: Verlene Riven and Martha Davis. Children: Betty Epps, George Jones, Betty L. Jones, Anderson Smith and Andre’ Beasley. Grandchildren: Adrian Cooper, Renee’ Smith, Tanya Smith, Kesha Kiper, Elaine Smith, Tameko Mitchell, Nichole Toppin, Marco Mitchell, Carl Flenoy, Pishon Jones, Lakeia Anderson, Ebony Beasley Ogbeide, Lamont Jackson, Keiyon Anderson, Selina Beasley Edwards, John Smith, Jr., Dana Mitchell II, Malachi Beasley, Nicolas and Nico Nile, Tuandrea Beasley, Ariana Nile, Jhawn Beasley, Kyle Nile, Tanetta Beasley-McKinsey. 47 Great-Grandchildren. 48 Great-Great Grandchildren. 1 God-Sister: Bernadine Johnson. 2 God-Children: Cynthia Clayton and Norma Faye Proctor-Whitfield, and a host of Nieces, Nephews, relatives, friends and others dear to her heart, including the entire membership of Greater Morning Star Baptist Church.
We loved her unconditional, but God loved her best.

Don’t weep or mourn our departed friends. Rejoice – 'tis but the voice of Jesus’ call. This is just another soldier gone to get the great reward. She fought the fight, she kept the faith, and now she has gone home to be with God.