Patricia Strickland

Patty was born on November 19, 1953, at the Great Lakes Naval Base in Illinois, to Angus Morgan Shirah and Beatrice “Lorraine” Borland. Raised on several military bases, from Memphis to Jacksonville, she carried with her a deep appreciation for family, resilience, and community throughout her life. She shared many close bonds with her siblings - Helen Unick of Washington State, Charles Shirah of Birmingham, Alabama, and Mary Ennemoser of Tallahassee, Florida. A special moment in her life was being reunited with her sister, Helen, in 2018 in Panama City - a day Patty often said was the happiest of her life.

For 53 devoted years, Patty shared her life with her husband and best friend, Larry. Together they built a strong and loving family. She was the proud mother of Kristi Lynn Rushing (with her husband, Jake Rushing) and Tracy Ann Strickland (with her husband, Cary Dawkins), and the cherished grandmother of Courtney Platt (Trenton), Cade Strickland, Stephan Platt, Colbie Rushing, Colton Rushing, Brittney Dawkins, and Brandon Dawkins. Patty was also blessed with five great-grandchildren, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and a multitude of extended family who loved her dearly.

Patty dedicated 35 years of service to the State of Florida and, while working full-time, proudly earned her Associate of Arts degree from Tallahassee Community College. A faithful member of Woodville United Methodist Church for more than 40 years, Patty lived her faith daily through love, kindness, and service. She was deeply involved with the scleroderma community, bravely facing the illness with strength and compassion for others who shared the same journey. Patty was also a 15-year breast cancer survivor, courageously battling when the disease returned last year.

She loved to travel, especially with her youngest daughter, Tracy, her grandson, Cade, and her son-in-law, Cary. One of the highlights of her travels was finally making a trip to Washington, D.C. with Tracy and Cade, with a special stop in Charleston to see one of the battleships her daddy had served on. She also loved camping with Larry, sharing many adventures together under the open sky. Patty delighted in time with her family and cherished the companionship of her beloved dog, Ivy. She very much loved the extra time she got to spend with her great-grands - Jackson, Lainey, and River - and treasured the many fun lunches they shared together. Above all, she adored her husband, children, grandchildren, and the many loved ones who enriched her life.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Angus and Lorraine; her sister, Helen; her brother, Charles, and his wife, Genevore.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Woodville United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m., with family and friends received at 10:00 a.m. A reception will follow.

Patty will be remembered for her enduring faith, her fierce love for family, and her unshakable courage. Her legacy of devotion, resilience, and joy will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.