Mrs. Henrietta Strickland Brocato

Henrietta Strickland was born December 28th 1936 in Waycross, Georgia sharing a birthday with her beloved Father, James Henry Strickland, who was one of the three persons for whom she was named. She was special from the beginning. Her Mother, Minnie Lucille McQuaig, raised the four children alone after Henry died when Henrietta was 14. She was the third sibling and only girl. She dearly loved her family and was beloved by her three brothers and really everyone who met her. She radiated kindness and joy from her heart. Beauty from the inside out.

She was born with severe asthma, but fought hard for every breath as her family took turns rocking and fanning her to help her breathe. The doctor did not want to do a tracheotomy on her because she was such a pretty baby. Luckily as time went on she was thriving in life. Maybe not as physically robust as others but she sure made up for it in all of her pursuits in life.

As a straight A student throughout her entire academic career, Henrietta was awarded a full scholarship to Mercer University in Macon after an exemplary high school history concluding as Senior Class President.

After Mercer, Henrietta married and moved to North Carolina where her two daughters were born, Cynthia Celeste Thrift Moore in 1957 and Sara Lucretia Thrift in 1958. Then in 1960, she and Jack returned to Georgia settling in Atlanta. She ran the business operations for Jack Thrift and Co until 1978 when she began her career at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). She rose to management analyst and was always a go-to resource for any topic related to rules, regulations and all the specialized knowledge related to committee management. She enjoyed her career at CDC and was well known for her competence, commitment and integrity. Henrietta was well liked at work and outside. While working there, she married Henry Brocato and became a stepmother to his three adult children and teenage son. He passed in 2017, so she moved back to DeKalb County to be closer to both of her daughters.

From the end of 2021 until April 2024, she lived with her younger daughter and was provided loving care by Purdi Perry during that time until she moved to a nursing home. She enjoyed life, always ate right, stayed out of the sun, and took care of herself. She had fewer wrinkles than most 40 year olds! Just a natural beauty that shone through, especially in her lovely sweet smile.

Toward the end, she fought bravely until there was no path toward. She wanted no accolades or fanfare in death, the same as in life. She was a pillar of strength with a bright and inquiring mind. A kind, gentle and loving woman, her laughter was a joy to hear. She was undoubtedly the best Mama to her girls. Many of Sara's friends wanted her to be their Mama. Her loves were reading, gardening, Sudoku, family and watching "BlueTube" videos when she became non-ambulatory as the nursing home staff and administrators lovingly attended to her.

Henrietta was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Minnie Strickland; brothers James Henry (Linda), Arthur Wade (Faye) and Louis Wynn (Wilda) Strickland; spouses Daniel Jackson Thrift and Henry Anthony Brocato. In passing, she leaves behind her daughters Cynthia Celeste Moore of Tucker and Sara Lucretia Thrift of Atlanta; grandchildren David Lee (Katie) McClung of Asheville, NC, Mary Caroline (Bryce Shepherd) Brantley of Mt. Olive, NC; great- grandchildren Phoenix Danger Brantley, Gavin Rockwell Brantley, Zora May McClung, Violet Minnette Brantley, Julian Moon McClung, and Winter Rosalie Shepherd; her adored toy poodle Zoey with whom she was reunited with when she lived with Sara, and Woody her special furboy; and numerous other family members including very loved nephew and nieces, Alan Strickland, Karen Strickland Ammons and Patti Strickland Cameron; and stepchildren Greg (Deborah) Brocato, Pat (David) Theriot, Keith (Linda) Brocato and Joe (Christina) Brocato and their families. From her time living in Duluth, she fondly remembered some dear girlfriends, neighbors in her community and friends at Norcross First United Methodist Church.

She had grace, charm and a pure heart. Forever she will be in our hearts 💕