FRANCES B. SLOANS

Today we celebrate and give thanks for the life of Frances B. Sloans. Our precious mother was born December 11, 1932 to the union of John Burnett and Johnnie Burnett (Murphy) in Little Rock, Arkansas.  Frances was baptized Catholic at an early age and continued her faith and reading the bible until the end.  Frances was a devoted wife to Johnny L. Sloans and proud mother of three beautiful children.

Raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, Frances was educated at St. Bartholomew Catholic School in Little Rock, and upon graduation from high school, worked at Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock.   One day while downtown shopping, she ventured into the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) recruitment office and decided right then and there to enlist in the Women’s Army Corps to help support her mother, whom she adored.  After Basic Training at Fort Lee Virginia, Frances relocated to Ft. Sam Houston, Texas for Dental Technician training prior to becoming an EKG Technician.  Although Frances was especially proud of being a WAC and being honorably discharged in 1954, her proudest moments were marrying her husband Johnny L. Sloans and becoming a mother. 

Neatly settled into motherhood, Frances enrolled at St. Philip’s College with the goal of eventually earning a degree in Sociology. However, soon life offered Frances opportunities and other life-altering experiences she never could have imagined. As a military spouse she played a significant role in supporting Johnny day in and day out during his long military career, including his tour in Vietnam, as well as accompanying him on various tours to Japan (mainland), Okinawa, and California, while raising a family. Frances loved traveling to other places others dream of visiting and valued the lasting relationships she built along the way.

In later years, she would often spend many hours (and days) exploring thrift stores for unique treasures and was delighted to share her finds with family and friends.  Frances was happiest visiting and talking to life-long friends. Most of all, Frances enjoyed spending time with her family, cooking, reading her bible, and praying for the nation. She was more than happy to be the central figure in the lives of her children, and everyone who knew them, knew that she was a star in their eyes, and that is all that ever mattered to her. Frances was an exceptional mother, exceptionally generous, kindhearted, loving, and caring with everyone in her family—friends included. Frances always described her life as “blessed”.  

On April 17, 2022 Frances B. Sloans got her wings and went to walk with the angels.  She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Johnnie Burnett; brothers, Charles Foster and John Burnett; and Johnny L. Sloans (former spouse).  Her wonderful life will forever be cherished by her sons, Michael and Johnny Sloans; daughter, Dawn Sloans; grandson, Nigel Sloans; great-grandson, Bryson Prince Sloans; honorary family members Cora “Coco” Whitaker and Marsha Warren; and numerous friends.

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