Kimberley Larius Sloan, a devoted educator, servant leader, and beloved family member, entered eternal rest on February 2, 2026. Born on May 19, 1957, to the proud parents Roy A. Sloan and Neva C. Sloan, Kimberley lived a life grounded in faith, perseverance, and service to others.
Kimberley spent her early years in the Garfield community, where she was shaped by strong family values, dedicated teachers, and her church family at First Baptist Church. From a young age, she was taught by her parents to use the power of her mind to achieve, a lesson she carried throughout her life.
Education, Christianity, and doing the right thing were strongly emphasized in the Sloan household. Kimberley attended Oakwood Junior High and Statesville Senior High School, where she participated in band, clubs, and organizations. She was a proud member of the award-winning SHS Grenadier Marching Band and played the clarinet, demonstrating discipline and dedication. She graduated from Statesville Senior High School in 1975.
Kimberley continued her education at North Carolina Central University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education (1979) and a Master of Education in Special Education (1984). In 2005, she received certification as a Developmental Education Specialist from Appalachian State University in Boone, N.C.
From 1984 to 1987, Kimberley served in the United States Peace Corps as a teacher trainer in Special Education and a coach for Special Olympics in Ghana, West Africa. She later worked as an Area Representative for the Peace Corps in Washington, D.C., and Atlanta until 1992.
Following her service, Kimberley worked for former President Jimmy Carter until 2003. She then became Director of Member Services for the Georgia School Age Care Association and served as a professor in the Early Childhood Education Department at DeKalb Technical College in Clarkston, Ga. She later served as Director of the Student Success and Learning Support Center and the Limited English Proficiency Lab at DeKalb Technical College. Throughout her career, she credited her success to her parents and her unwavering faith in God.
After retiring, Kimberley returned home to Statesville, N.C., where her heart always remained. Even in retirement, her passion for education continued as she served as a substitute teacher in Iredell County elementary schools, touching the lives of students and staff with her wisdom, patience, and care.
She is survived by her loving brother, Eisele T. Sloan of Richmond, Va. Kimberley did not have children of her own, but her heart overflowed with love for her family. She was especially devoted to her niece, Tina M. Powell of Burlington, N.C., and her nephews, Darrious “Quick” Gaither of Harmony, N.C., and Tyler “Tae Diggs” McCain of Greensboro, N.C.—nicknames she lovingly gave them herself, reflecting her humor and affection. She also cherished Adrian Sloan, Jermerio Sloan, and Jamel Sloan, all of Statesville, N.C., Tamia Sloan of Hickory, N.C., and great-nephews, Isaiah Brinegar and Jayden Brinegar, and her great-niece, Harmony Gaither, all of whom brought her immense joy. Along with her family, she leaves behind a host of extended relatives, dear friends, former students, and colleagues whose lives were enriched by her presence.
Kimberley was preceded in death by her mother, Neva C. Sloan (1992); her father, Roy A. Sloan (2004); her sister, Veronica A. Sloan Armah (1995); and her brother, Tony L. Sloan (2007).
Kimberley will be remembered for her intelligence, strength, compassion, and lifelong commitment to education, faith, and family. Her legacy lives on through every life she touched and the love she so freely gave.
Rutledge & Bigham Mortuary is serving the family.