MELBA G. SLOAN, 76 Lakeland – Melba G. Sloan, 76, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 27, 2015. She was born in St. Augustine, FL and moved to Lakeland fifty years ago. Melba worked as a secretary for her son's trucking company. She was a member of Kathleen Baptist Church. Melba loved Gator Football, dancing, NASCAR, and was a huge Jeff Gordon fan. Melba leaves behind a legacy of love, passion, independence and strength. She inspired her family and her impact on our lives will never fade. Mimi was loved so much but loved so much more. That love will never fade. We will always carry it with us. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hardee (Bud) Sloan. Survivors include her son and daughter in law, Stephen & Debbie Sloan; daughter, Tracy Sloan, all of Lakeland; granddaughters, Ashton Sloan (Noah Hills) of Tampa, FL, Alysha (Derek) Cone of Lakeland, Amber Sloan (Steven Jackson) of Birmingham, AL; grandson, Aaron Sloan of Lakeland; great grandson, Chase Cone of Lakeland; great granddaughter, Norah Hills of Tampa, FL; brother, Carl Ashton of Ft. Pierce, FL; sisters, Alice Gilliam of St. Augustine, Patty Bishop of Jacksonville, FL.