Gayle Gill Sloan's Obituary
Gayle Gill Sloan passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at the age of 73. She was preceded in death by her parents, JD Gill and Betty Brock Gill, and her brother, Jimmy D. Gill. She was married to her beloved husband, Cliff Sloan, for 44 years (married 9-24-78) and is survived by her nephew, Jimmy Gill (Rachael), and stepdaughter, Beth Sloan (Kevin Pembrook). She also leaves behind her closest friends, her godchildren, James Vitrano and Leslie Hubright; her sisterhood girlfriends, and many former colleagues who became lifelong friends.
Gayle graduated from Mandeville High School and Louisiana State University and received advanced degrees in education from University of New Orleans and Southeast Louisiana University. She worked as a public school educator for 45 years, first as a classroom teacher in Jefferson Parish and St. Tammany Parish public schools. She was a member of the Jefferson Federation of Teachers and served as Vice President of the St. Tammany Federation of Teachers & School Employees. She was especially proud of her work as Principal at Mandeville Middle School and the accomplishments of its students and teachers. She held various positions in the St. Tammany Parish Public School System Central Office, including Instructional Supervisor, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and Superintendent. As Superintendent, she led the School System through challenging times and helped to elevate a good organization into a highly respected School System that garnered many State and national accolades. She believed that the strength of the School System was in putting students first and forming strong partnerships with parents and community, while encouraging employees to become a strong team of collaborators who were dedicated to excellence in their work. She retired from St. Tammany Parish Public Schools in 2010 before moving on to work at the Louisiana Department of Education for six years, where she enjoyed working with professional educators around the State. She received many honors for her professional and community accomplishments during her lifetime.
After so many years of doing work she loved, she was surprised by how quickly she took to retirement, spending her days with her husband, traveling, gardening, reading, shopping, enjoying time with friends and family, and doing whatever they wanted whenever they wanted.
Gayle was a native of Mandeville, Louisiana, living and working most of her life in her hometown. Her ashes will be buried with departed family members in the Mandeville Cemetery in a private service.
Please share memories and condolences at the online tribute page of the E. J. Fielding Funeral Home in Covington, LA at www.ejfieldingfh.com. It was her wish that friends and family consider making donations in her memory to a public school of their choice.
What’s your fondest memory of Gayle?
What’s a lesson you learned from Gayle?
Share a story where Gayle's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Gayle you’ll never forget.
How did Gayle make you smile?
