Valerie Strickland

Val was born on February 18,1946 in Bridgwater, Somerset, England to Charles and Vida Evans of 33 North Street Bridgwater. She is survived by her husband Paul, her children Alison and Richard, their spouses Chad Fletcher and Allison Schneider Strickland and her grandchildren Reese, London and Sloan and her sisters Janet and Diane.

She came to Brevard County in 1981 from England living the remainder of her life in Palm Bay. As a teenager she gave her life to Christ and all her days she radiated her love for and trust in Him. During her first years in the workforce she was a secretary

at Lloyds Bank in Bridgwater and later in Cambridge. After moving to the USA she worked at First Baptist Church of Melbourne (where she and her husband are members) for the WCIF radio station.

Val was a master crafter having considerable talents in sewing, garment alteration, garment design and fabrication, embroidery, crochet, knitting and, of course, Val was an avid quilter. Over the years, she made countless articles for her friends and family that remain as a testimony of her love, her quiet tenacity and her creativity.

She had a passionate love for animals and had many pets during her lifetime. She is also survived by her cat Riley and Cadbury "Caddy" the dog. She was very musical, playing the piano at an advanced level and bringing her beautiful singing voice to the church choir. As a girl she discovered the Somerset countryside which gave her a lifetime love of the outdoors with its trees, flowers and shade. She loved her family and always brightened any room she was in.

Val's life will be celebrated in a service at First Baptist Church Melbourne on Friday, July 29, 2016 at 2pm.

Memorial donations may be made to: WCIF Christian radio station at 3301 Dairy Road,

Melbourne, FL 32904 or Aloha Adoptions at 968 East Eau Gallie Blvd, Indian Harbor Beach, FL 32937 (www.facebook.com/alohaadoptions)

The family asks those wishing to send flowers may contact Designs of the Times Florist at: 321-676-2452 or 800-622-2452 or at www.designsofthetimes.com