Gerthel N. Sloan, age 97, a life long Baytonian, passed away in a Baytown hospital on Monday, March 27, 2006. She was peacefully lifted up to the heavens by the songs and prayers of her loved ones. “Gigi” as she was known by many, retired from Union Pacific Railroad. For 30+ years she was the proud owner of the Carousel Shop on Texas Avenue which fashionably clothed several generations of Baytonians.
Gigi was born on March 17, 1909 to Felix Nunez and Edna O’Neil Nunez in Abbeville, Louisiana. She was one of 9 children, leaving one sister, Verda Simon of Kaplan, La. Mrs. Sloan also leaves behind her devoted daughter Betsy Lindsey Fortney; her grandchildren, Thomas Hugh Fortney and wife Carol Fortney, Anne Marie Fortney Way, and husband Patrick Way, and Rhonda Fortney, all of Clear Lake; great grandchildren, Thomas Fortney, John Fortney, Drew Fortney, Kristen Way, Kathryn Way, Madelyn Way, and William Chase Fortney; great great grandchildren Kennedy Baldridge, Holden Baldridge, Griffen Baldridge, and Breanna Fortney. She leaves a caring physician, Dr. Fernando Sarti, his caring staff, Linda, Amy, and Elizabeth. The family gratefully acknowledges the nursing staff at skilled nursing of San Jacinto Hospital and Select Home Healthcare.
As a youth Gigi was a fierce competitive swimmer and though short in stature she was a formidable forward for the girls’ basketball team. Following her high school graduation Gigi attended Business College in Lake Charles. Gigi will be remembered as an expert golfer, with no room large enough to hold all her trophies; an extraordinary fisherwoman, an enviable chef, and a woman who had the gift of gab. Gigi kept abreast of local and national news. She knew the statistics of every NBA player and was eagerly awaiting the spring training of the Astros. Her life was a gift to all who knew her and her playful spirit and generous heart will long be remembered. Her family was blessed for many years to have five generations gather for her shrimp gumbo or pork roast. Known by her Louisiana family as “Aunt Goat” her legacy will live with them always.
Her family will receive friends at Navarre Funeral Home Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a eulogy service conducted by her family at 7:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be Thursday, March 30, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Rev. Dwight Canizares officiating. Burial will follow at White Cemetery in Highlands.
Arrangements are under the direction of Navarre Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 2444 Rollingbrook Dr., Baytown, TX, 77521, (281) 422-8111.
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