At Nearly 100, Lillian Sloan Still Shows Up to Serve at Warren Memorial Hospital

Many people slow down after retirement. Lillian Sloan did the opposite.

Now nearly 100 years old, Sloan still volunteers at Warren Memorial Hospital, greeting staff and helping where she can. She has been serving at the hospital for more than 35 years. Recently, she even started a new assignment in the pulmonary department.

“I just started here the other day,” Sloan said with a smile while in her volunteer uniform, covered with pins that mark decades of service.

Sloan first began volunteering shortly after retiring from a 37-year teaching career. She said she didn’t plan to sit still for long.

“People were just coming out of the woodwork asking me to volunteer,” Sloan recalled. “Prudy Matthews, who was president of the hospital auxiliary at the time, invited me to come on board. I did—and I just can’t let it go.”

For Sloan, volunteering has never felt like work. Instead, it brings something much deeper.

“It’s like a reward,” she said. “A good feeling that you’ve done something to help somebody.”

Staying active has been a lifelong habit for Sloan. Even after retirement, she served on many boards and stayed involved across the community. She made a promise to herself that she would never be bored—and she has kept that promise.

“I never allow myself to be bored,” she said. “Even at home when I have free time, I’m into something.”

That drive has helped keep her connected with people across generations. As a longtime teacher in Warren County, Sloan often runs into former students who still remember her.

“That happens all the time,” she said. “Everywhere I go. Someone will say, ‘Were you my teacher?’ It gives me a good feeling that they remember me.”

Her influence stretches far beyond the classroom. Sloan remains active in her church and community groups, and she is often invited to speak at events. Later this year, she will serve as the keynote speaker at an NAACP banquet.

She also remains dedicated to her sorority, where she has been a member for more than 75 years.

Despite her busy schedule, Sloan credits a simple philosophy for her long and meaningful life: stay involved and keep moving forward.

“I guess staying active and being involved helps,” she said. “The Lord has been good to me.”

These days, Sloan’s daughters help make sure she gets where she needs to go. They prefer that she no longer drive herself to the hospital, but that has not slowed her commitment.

At Warren Memorial Hospital, Sloan’s volunteer pins reflect the many years she has dedicated to service. But the friendships she has built along the way may mean even more.

“I started out in special services at the old hospital,” she said. “I had partners along the way, and we developed great friendships.”

Those relationships, along with the chance to help others, continue to motivate her.

Looking back on nearly a century of life, Sloan says the years have passed quickly.

“Some days I say, ‘How did I get here?’” she said. “But it’s been a journey—and it’s been a good journey.”

When asked if she had any regrets, she paused and laughed softly.

“I started taking piano lessons in high school and didn’t follow through,” she said. “That’s one regret. But otherwise, I’m content.”

That sense of contentment is paired with purpose. Sloan believes people of any age can find meaning by helping others.

“There are lots of organizations in our community that need volunteers,” she said. “You’re never too old.”

At Warren Memorial Hospital, that message is easy to believe. Just look for the nearly 100-year-old volunteer who still shows up, still smiles, and still serves.