Sister Mary Lucille Sluyter

Sister Mary Lucille Sluyter, R.S.M. of McAuley Convent, Barling, Arkansas died at Catherine McAuley Convent in Barling, Ark. on January 21, 2018. Sister was born in Little Rock, Ark. to Curtis and Emma Lucille Sluyter. She was baptized in Little Rock, Ark. as Nanetta Mary Sluyter. Sister Mary Lucille graduated from Mt. St. Mary Academy in Little Rock, Ark. She entered the Sisters of Mercy Community September 8, 1944 in St. Louis, Mo. and made her Perpetual vows on August 16, 1950. Sr. Mary Lucille graduated from Incarnate Word college in San Antonio Texas with a degree in Elementary Education. Sister taught kindergarten and first grade elementary school in Slovac, Fort Smith, Hot Springs and North Little Rock, Ark. Sr. Mary Lucille served as the Principal of St. Patrick's Elementary School from 1969-1995. She continued serving at St. Patrick's School and Parish until she retired to Barling, Ark. in November of 2002. After retiring to Barling Sister continued to serve as a volunteer tutor with the Sisters of Mercy Reading Program at Immaculate Conception Elementary School in Fort Smith and volunteered at Mercy Hospital Fort Smith. Sister loved teaching and former students who remember her as a kind, caring and compassionate teacher continued to keep in contact with her. Parents, pastors, board members, former staff members and many parishioners valued her leadership and support of the parish and were sad when she retired. She was loved by all and will be missed by all who knew her and worked with her. Sister Lucille was devoted to and loved by her family. She kept in close contact with her many nieces and nephews. Sr. Mary Lucille will be remembered by her strong devotion to Our Lady and offered her daily rosary for the intentions of her family and friends. Sr. Mary Lucille is preceded in death by her parents Curtis and Emma Sluyter, her brothers: Curtis, Vick and Arthur Sluyter; her sisters: Mary Lou Lueken, Mildred Garrett, Emma Lou Fryer, Francis Yaniger and Mary G. "Pete" Zakrewski. She is survived by several devoted nieces and nephews. The Rosary will be at McAuley Convent on January 25, 2018 at 9 a.m. The Funeral Mass will be at McAuley Convent on January 25, 2018 at 10 a.m. Sister Mary Lucille Sluyter will be buried at Calvary Cemetery in Little Rock, Ark. with a Graveside Service on January 25, 2018 at 4 p.m. To send an online tribute, go to www.fentressmortuary.com.