WILMINGTON — Emily Reeves Sloan died peacefully at her home on April 3, 2024.
Simply put, Emily had an amazing ability to make everyone that she met her feel loved and appreciated. Her grace and charm helped warm relationships immediately. Numerous friends have shared stories about how even when they first met Emily they came away from the encounter with a new friend who made them feel special. Examples include future great friends who first were welcomed to Wilmington warmly and genuinely by Emily, met Emily on the tennis court or golf course, or simply ran into her at a store.
Even as Emily’s health declined, friends who visited her to provide comfort walked away feeling better about themselves because of the kind and caring way Emily treated them. One caregiver described her relationship with Emily in a way that almost every person who met her could relate: “She has changed our lives with her love, appreciation, and kindness. She was one of a kind, and I am so grateful to be in her life, even for such a short time. I will hold my time with her close to my heart, and she will be one I remember fondly, forever.”
Emily was the daughter of John Mercer Reeves and Virginia McKenzie Reeves most recently of Pinehurst, NC. She enjoyed 47 amazing years with her husband Dr. David B. Sloan, Jr., who passed in 2008. She is survived by two of her four sons, John Reeves Sloan (Louise Folger Sloan) of Wilmington, NC and Michael McKenzie Sloan (Nichole Davis Sloan) of Johns Island, SC. Her sons Dr. David Bryan Sloan, III and his twin, who died at birth, predeceased Emily and both died way too young.
“Nana” also is survived by seven grandchildren, whom she adored: Louisa Reeves Sloan of Oklahoma City, OK; Emily Moyers Sloan of Providence, RI; David Reeves Sloan of Washington, DC; Louise “Libby” Dibrell Sloan of New York, NY; John “Jack” Spencer Sloan of Wilmington, NC; and Ruby Ophelia Sloan and Lily Reeves Sloan of Johns Island, SC. Emily was preceded in death by her wonderful oldest sister Virginia Reeves Lazzati. She enjoyed a special, life long relationship with her other sister Ann Reeves Reed of Richmond, VA, who even today proudly proclaims that, at the age of seven, she named her younger sister. Emily also was survived by many beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.
Emily also wanted to note her many Wilmington friends with whom she had so much fun in the good times and who regularly were by her side as her health declined. The care and comfort that she received over the last few years from the incredible group of caregivers of Always Good Company and more recently from the compassionate team at Lower Cape Fear Life Care helped keep her home and comfortable until it was time for her husband David to grab her hand and lead her to a much better place.
A memorial service for Emily will be held at 2 p.m., Thursday, April 11 at First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington followed by a reception at the church. The service truly will be a celebration of a life well-lived in the service of others.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to The Ministering Circle, Lower Cape Fear Life Care, or First Presbyterian Church.
Emily truly will be missed by everyone that she touched.
