Mary Athlene Sloan Harrison

Saturday afternoon, March 3, Mary Athlene Sloan Harrison, age 92, of Benton quietly slipped from the presence of her daughter and granddaughter and joined her heavenly Father and many friends and loved ones in her heavenly home. She was born to Daniel Vernon and Mary Bonds Sloan on July 17, 1919, in England, Ark. Her mother died shortly after Mary A's birth and her grandmother, Alpha Etta Sloan, lovingly helped her son care for the baby. A few years later, Vernon married Ellen Tanner and Mary was blessed to have a stepmother who loved her dearly. She would again be blessed with the births of two brothers and a sister. The family later moved to Choctaw and eventually returned to England. Mary had many stories of her years in both places. Her stepmother said she could always get the truth from Mary because either the guilt was too great or the prank was too funny and Mary just had to share it. She married Charles Harrison from Keo, Ark. Charles and Mary Harrison became the parents of a son Dennis Joe, who died as an infant, and a daughter, Phyllis Ann. They were blessed with two grandchildren, Tracey and Rod Morehead. Having a special friendship with the paternal grandparents the two couples took their shared grandchildren on many fun-filled vacations together. The grandchildren were greatly loved and loved their grandparents very much. Mary loved Jesus, her family, Christmas, laughter, shopping, and she had a special love for the Arkansas Razorbacks. She and Charlie made many trips to Little Rock, Fayetteville, bowl games and a few road games along the way even one in Hawaii. She would not leave a game until it was over regardless of the weather. They were once given a #1 fan award by their ballgame buddies because they stayed through a very inclement game (Mary's decision to stay). She was a faithful member of Calvary Baptist Church for over 50 years. She taught Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and GA's. She was a member of the Ruth Sunday School class and shared a special bond with those ladies. When she could no longer drive her car, she called her daughter every Sunday saying "I need a ride." Grateful for being raised in a Christian home and always being taken to church, the daughter was happy to return the blessing. The very best part was Mary sitting beside her and singing those hymns. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 62 years, their infant son Dennis Joe, her brothers, Thomas A. Sloan and Glen ‘Tony' Sloan, her sister, Elsie Faye Sloan Brands, brother-in-law, Gerald Brands and son-in-law, David Pelton. Two weeks after the death of her dear Tony, Mary suffered a stroke which would take her life. She is survived by her daughter, Phyllis Pelton, grandchildren, Rod and Tracey Morehead and her great-grandchildren, Nicki and Rodney Morehead all of Benton, Ark., sisters-in-law Ellen Mae Sloan of Perkins, Okla. and Lorene Sloan of England, Ark. Her daughter's marriage to David blessed her with a bonus family Gary & Robin Pelton of Benton, Randy & Cindy Pelton of Houghton, La., and Rusty and Linda Pelton of Benton who also grieve for her. She was beloved Aunt Mary to Tommy and Jimmy Sloan, Danny Sloan, Susan Howell and Lisa Dorsey, Michael and Jerry Brands. Mary was well loved by her family, her church family and many friends. She was a breast cancer survivor. In her later years she lived at Four Seasons Assisted Living facility and loved the staff and her friends there as well. The family is grateful for the loving care given by the facility, to Saline Memorial Hospice for the special care during her last days and to her doctor, Dr. Daniel Cartaya. Mary lived a happy and blessed life here but we know she is much happier now. Visitation will be 6 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, March 6, at Ashby Funeral Home. The funeral will be 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 7, at Ashby Funeral Home. Burial at New Rosemont Cemetery, Benton. Memorials may be given to Calvary Baptist Church, 612 Valley View Road, Benton, Ark. 72019. On-line guest book at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.