Mrs. Rebecca Tew Strickland of Dunn, took her first steps on streets of gold on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at Betsy Johnson Hospital being 70 years of age. She was born on June 10, 1947 in Erwin, North Carolina.
On June 10th, 1961 Rebecca married the love of her life, her husband of over 50 years, Bobby Gerald Strickland. To this union three children would be born along with many precious memories of a true, undying love which would prevail through tribulation and hard times, despite those who said two young people getting married at their age wouldn’t last, they proved when they said “I do” they meant it. It was unusual to ever see one without the other as they were inseparable, cherishing every moment together.
Rebecca never met a stranger and she never kept a smile to herself, she was a very bright and colorful person. Her big heart led her through this life; guiding her to contribute to many different charitable organizations and to love her neighbor. Everything she had was up for the taking, as she was selfless and would help anyone who needed it. There was always a joke on her lips or a story to be told. She loved to talk and share stories about the good ole days. Traveling memory’s lane was among her favorite things to do, as she had recalled a simpler time, when the world seemed to have been a better place and she loved to indulge in the memories of days gone by that she had held so dear to her heart. She enjoyed the many special fishing trips with her husband, traveling and going on shopping adventures with her daughters and granddaughters, especially to thrift stores. Her daughters recalled those shopping trips and that “Momma would have to touch every piece of clothing in the store before leaving.” She had a huge sweet tooth, her favorite desert was strawberry shortcake. Rebecca enjoyed watching the Golden girls, Blue Bloods and Criminal Minds. Listening to preaching and gospel music. She loved to collect trinkets. She had a passion for helping young people and had ran a successful daycare from her home for many years and she had impacted many young people throughout their entire lives. She loved the Lord and often read his word, which she carried with her everywhere she went. She had believed in the Pentecostal faith. Rebecca loved her family and the time she was blessed to spend with each of them, her children recall their mother and father making their “circle” nightly as their parents would drive by each of their homes to make sure that they were okay before going to bed. Rebecca enjoyed playing the piano immensely, she had desired to play and she prayed and the Lord taught her just what to do. Rebecca swelled with pride for her children and grandchildren and let everyone know it. She enjoyed the little things in life and strived to be the best person that she could be; setting a pristine example for those who she leaves to follow in the shadows of a life well lived.
Rebecca leaves behind to honor her legacy her husband Bobby Gerald Strickland; children: Brenda Marbell and husband Tim of Erwin, Bobby Strickland and wife Sherry of Dunn, and Beth Strickland and fiancé Willaim Talley of Erwin; siblings: Ronnie Tart and wife Judy of Erwin, Sylvia Guin and husband Wayne of Dunn, Betty West and husband Doug of Coats, Brenda Beasley and husband Eugene of Benson, Joe Tew and wife Joyce of Surf City, Linda Wood and husband Ray of Benson, and Sammy and David Tew; grandchildren: Brooke Grady and husband Jeremy of Erwin, Mandy Dilts and husband Charles of Erwin, Hallie Bryan and husband Travis of Dunn and Colby Eason of Dunn; great-grandchildren: Mason Dilts and Braylen Bryan; and her furbaby Nardie.
You are cordially invited to a time of visitation on Monday, March 26, 2018 from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Cromartie-Miller Funeral Home.
A funeral service to commemorate the life of Rebecca Tew Strickland will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 27, 2018 in the sanctuary of Sansom Community Church with Rev. Jerome Pope, Rev. Ron Tart and Rev. Steven Tart officiating. She will be laid to rest in the Pine Land Cemetery in Dunn with Harnett County Sheriff’s Deputies, Ethan Seals and Caleb Seals serving as pallbearers.
