Dolphis Arthur Sloan, Sr. was born on September 1, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio, to the union of the late Rev. C.N. and Luberta Sloan. He was educated in the Cleveland Public School system and proudly served his country in the United States Army for four years. During his military service, he was stationed in Germany and at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His years in the Army reflected the discipline, commitment and sense of responsibility that would remain evident throughout his life.

While serving in the military, Dolphis married the love of his life, Priscilla, on February 22, 1964. To this union, four children were born: Wilhelmina, Dolphis Jr., Dwan and Diane.

Dolphis completed his military service with an honorable discharge and later began what would become a long and successful career at the General Motors Parma Plant. While working full time and providing for his family, he attended college at night and earned a degree in accounting, which helped him advance from an hourly position on the plant floor to the salaried position of paymaster. This accomplishment reflected Dolphis’s deep belief in the value of education and the opportunities that could come through hard work, perseverance and a willingness to continue learning. He embodied those values throughout his life, inspiring his family and others to value education, embrace hard work and continually strive to achieve their best.

Dolphis dedicated more than 30 years to General Motors before retiring in 1997.

Retirement gave Dolphis more time for the things that brought him joy. He loved his cars, cheered for ALL Cleveland sports teams and embraced his passion for travel—and boy, did he travel! He and Priscilla journeyed across the globe, experiencing the beauty and culture of Europe, including Spain, as well as Africa, the Caribbean and Hawaii, and adventures that even took them across the equator. Together, they embraced every journey and treasured every experience that led to the lifelong memories they made along the way.

Dolphis and Priscilla also took up ballroom dancing and competed together in numerous competitions.

Always one to stay active, Dolphis was an avid walker, often logging more than seven miles a day during his walks through the Metroparks until his health began to decline. His commitment to an active lifestyle extended to others as well, as he led a water fitness class for seniors, encouraging them to remain active, healthy and engaged in life.

Dolphis accepted Christ at an early age and remained grounded in his faith throughout his life. He was a devoted member and deacon of Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, a church deeply rooted in Christ and an important part of the Sloan family’s spiritual foundation. Dolphis served the church in many capacities, including teaching Sunday School and Bible Study, singing in the Men’s Chorus, working in the treasury and helping with the care and upkeep of the church edifice. His faith was not simply something he professed; it was demonstrated through his service, study, devotion to God and commitment to both his biological and extended church family.

Dolphis also had a natural curiosity about technology and interest in the latest innovations and advancements. Long before many of today’s gadgets became commonplace, he built and repaired televisions, driven by his desire to understand how things worked. Whether meticulously caring for his cars, working with electronics or exploring something new, Dolphis enjoyed working with his hands and understanding the mechanics behind the things that captured his interest.

Above all, Dolphis loved the Lord and his family. He will be remembered for the life he built, the lessons he taught, the example he set and the many ways he provided for, encouraged and supported those he loved. His devotion to faith and family, his belief in education and his example of hard work and perseverance leave a legacy that will live on through the generations and the many lives he touched.

On Wednesday, August 19, 2026, following a brief but aggressive illness, the Lord called Dolphis Arthur Sloan, Sr. from labor to eternal rest.

Dolphis was preceded in death by his parents, the late Rev. C.N. and Luberta Sloan; children, Rev. Dolphis A. Sloan, Jr. and Dwan A. Pearson; brothers, Michael and Charles Sloan; and sisters, Luberta Clyburn, Augusta Drane and Mary Simmons.

Dolphis leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 62 years, Priscilla Sloan; children, Wilhelmina Reese and Diane A. Rhynes; grandchildren, Sierra (Brian) Johnson, Keilani Davis, Charles Rhynes, Makayla and Ace Pearson; great-grandchildren, Jaxson VanDyke and Saia Johnson; brothers, Tandy (Angie) Sloan and John (Pam) Sloan; sisters, Geraldine Galloway and Queola Brooks; special brother-in-law, Ronnie Simmons, Sr.; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.