Sharon was born to Donald and Audrey Sloan on Jan 25th, 1950 in Aberdeen, Mississippi. They soon relocated to Jackson and had three more sons; Doug, Jeff and Troy. There Sharon grew up in a loving home, with good parents, and she enjoyed her childhood.

All through school, Sharon was liked by everyone. She made friends easy and was a very popular young girl. Sharon was also kind and gentle with her younger, rambunctious brothers and spent a lot of time helping her mother watch over them. She taught them the value of life, the golden rule, and corrected them when they acted inappropriately.  With her high moral values of right and wrong, she had a profound impact on each of the boys. 

In her early 20’s, Sharon meet and fell in love with Robie Furlong, who became her lifelong husband. Sharon followed Robie throughout a full and exciting life. A year after marriage, Robie joined the Army as a helicopter pilot, and they moved to Texas for training. Sharon enjoyed the military life and she loved to travel, so she was excited about their first overseas assignment in Germany. While there, they traveled around Europe extensively visiting places on Sharon’s bucket list. Sharon was enthusiastic to learn the German language and enjoyed experiencing their culture.

After leaving the Army, Sharon and Robie moved to Salem, Oregon where they created an Avionics business with Don Sloan called VAL Avionics. There Sharon helped Robie manage the business of production, assembly, sales, and service of aircraft radio and navigation equipment (Avionics). They spent many years together in this business, and made a large number of life-long friends. 

In time, they sold the business and moved into Real Estate, working with Coldwell Banker Mountain West Real Estate in Salem, Oregon. Sharon worked her way up in business and was very successful. She enjoyed her work and took pride in helping others become homeowners.  In one such experience, Sharon helped her mother and younger brother Jeff by purchasing a new home for them, following her father’s death. Sharon did this to provide for her family. This act of kindness is still helping Jeff after her mother passed away.

In April 2004 Sharon experienced a debilitating stroke from a cranial aneurism that left her partially paralyzed and affected her mental abilities.  For many years, Robie faithfully helped Sharon to retain an active life, even though the challenges were great. Due to her condition, they took an early retirement, bought a full size Motor Coach and traveled all over the United States for eight years. Since Sharon loved to travel, this was one of the high points in her life.

In July 2015, Sharon was diagnosed with stage four cancer. The late detection did not allow time for treatment. During this last stage of life, Sharon’s faith was strong. She knew her condition, but was not afraid, because she knew the Lord. In the last few weeks of life, under Hospice's medical supervision, Robie tenderly cared for her with unfailing devotion. Her younger brother Jeff was also a wonderful caregiver for Sharon and a help for Robie during this difficult time.

On August 2, 2015, Sharon's battle with cancer ended. She passed peacefully at home and did not suffer. She is now with the Lord in heaven, experiencing unimaginable joy. We will all miss her dearly, but we have faith that we will one day be with her again.

May the Lord’s Peace and Grace be with you all.

Amen