Brenda Faw Sloan

Brenda Faw Sloan, a beloved wife, mother, and cherished friend, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2026, in Orlando, Florida. She was a woman of grace, artistic talent, love of family, and strong faith.

Brenda was raised in Cleveland, Tennessee, where she attended Big Springs Elementary and Waterville School before graduating from Bradley Central High School in 1961. She was an accomplished dancer in her younger years, and her beauty, elegance, and vibrant personality were evident throughout her life. During high school, Brenda served for a time as manager for Jim Smiddy's Bradley Bearrettes.

After high school, Brenda attended business college and studied art in Atlanta before marrying her high-school sweetheart, Steve Sloan. The two were married on May 12, 1968, in Atlanta, Georgia, and shared 55 years of marriage together. The couple's presence together lit up any room. Steve's charisma and Brenda's stunning appearance always made them a memorable pair.

As Steve pursued a career as a college football coach and athletic director, their life took them to a number of wonderful places, including Tallahassee, Florida; Atlanta, Georgia; Nashville, Tennessee; Lubbock, Texas; Oxford, Mississippi; Durham, North Carolina; Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Denton, Texas; Orlando, Florida; and Chattanooga, Tennessee. Brenda was a devoted and supportive wife.

Family was the center of Brenda's life. She loved her sons, Stephen Charles Sloan, Jr. and Jonathan Sloan, deeply and would do anything for them. She was a devoted mother who was always supportive of her boys, including their soccer, music and other activities.

Brenda was also a woman of many talents. She was an accomplished painter with a natural artistic gift. She loved playing tennis, and she enjoyed the friendships and camaraderie of coaches' wives that came with the game.

Brenda always loved being in Florida. The beach was one of her happy places. For many years, she and Steve enjoyed their condominium in Ormond Beach, where the coast provided a special place to relax, enjoy one another, and make memories with friends and family.

While Steve was serving as Athletic Director at UCF, Brenda and Steve established their home in Orlando, and following Steve's retirement, they happily enjoyed retirement in Orlando. Their combined contributions to UCF were recognized when the university named its stadium media room the Steve and Brenda Sloan Media Room in their honor.

Throughout their marriage, Steve and Brenda cared deeply for one another, and Steve remained devoted to Brenda, especially in her later years. Brenda had a strong Christian faith, and that faith was an important part of who she was. Her friends and family find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and in the presence of her Lord.

Brenda is survived by her son, Stephen Charles Sloan, Jr. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Stephen Charles Sloan; her son, Jonathan Sloan; and her parents, Burleson and Emily Faw.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Eastern on Friday October 2, 2026, at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Cleveland, Tennessee, officiated by the Rev. Jim Gibson. Companion Funeral Home of Cleveland is assisting with the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the FCA Ocoee Legacy Fund, P.O. Box 4381, Cleveland, TN 37320. Contributions to the FCA Ocoee Legacy Fund may also be made at FCASloan.

You are invited to share a personal memory of Brenda or your condolences with her family at her online memorial located at www.companionfunerals.com.