Kay Johnson Sloan

Kay Johnson Sloan 

Kay Sloan, 85, of Cary, N.C., died on Friday, Dec. 22, 2023. 

Born on Dec. 4, 1938, to the late Tyree and Katherine Johnson of Wake County. Her father was a farmer, and Kay helped her parents on the farm and developed a strong work ethic that she carried with her throughout her life.  

Kay attended Southern High School in Durham, N.C., where she was involved in student government and served as the vice-president of her homeroom class. She also participated in the school’s journalism program, was a member of the library club, and played on the softball team.  

Kay graduated in June 1957. Months later, she married her high school sweetheart, Bobby Sloan, on October 27, 1957.  

Once married, Kay worked full time and raised two children. She made it all look easy and kept an immaculate home. Her family often joked one could eat off her floors. She was the only person we’ve ever known who cleaned behind her refrigerator on a weekly basis. In addition to cleaning, she also loved to decorate. Her tablescape was so immaculate, she held family dinners in the bonus room to ensure it remained spotless.  

While she enjoyed literature and softball as a student, she continued to enjoy both long after high school. Kay was an avid reader throughout her life, often retiring to her chair with a book after clearing the dinner dishes, and she played softball in church and city leagues.  

Kay worked for Valassis Communications in Durham until she retired in 2000.   

In her free time, Kay enjoyed camping with Bobby. When their children and grandchildren were young, they enjoyed camping at Kerr Lake, but after they both retired, they upgraded their camper and hit the road. Before taking off, Kay made sure the camper was the perfect home-away-from-home, using her sewing skills to tailor curtains and valances that perfectly fit the windows. When everything was ready, she and Bobby embarked on a journey, visiting most of the 48 contiguous U.S. states, and having many adventures along the way.  

Kay enjoyed going out dancing with Bobby, and on weekends, when their grandchildren were young, they would sometimes play fifties music and try to teach them the box step. Later in life, she was an avid bingo player. When the COVID-19 pandemic shut down her weekly bingo games, she and Bobby would play bingo via Zoom with her children and grandchildren. In recent years, her favorite thing was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and friends. 

Kay is survived by her husband of 66 years, Bobby Sloan; her son, Randy Sloan (Sheila) of Bolivia, N.C.; her daughter Robin Morris (Mark) of Cary, N.C.; grandchildren, Renee Spencer (Marc) of Southport, N.C., Ashley Sloan of Southport, N.C., and Nick Morris of Morrisville, N.C.; one great-grandson, Levi Spencer of Southport, N.C.; brothers Larry Johnson (Barbara) and Tommy Johnson (Sue), all of Durham, N.C.; special family members, Mary Elizabeth and Eric O’Briant of Oak Island, N.C.; several nieces and nephews; and a community of special friends from church and her retirement village.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.