Services will be held at Memorial Funeral Home in Columbia on Thursday, February 2, 2023. Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM, followed immediately by the funeral service at 2:00 PM. Graveside services and interment will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery. Services will be live streamed on the funeral home's Facebook page at Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory, and Memorial Park Cemetery/Columbia.
Lea met her future husband, Charles Strayhall, in St Louis at the age of 19. They were working in the same place and she would frequently walk by his desk so he would notice her and ask her on a date. She was so beautiful with long flowing black hair that it did not take long for that to happen. After a very short courtship, they were married on July 15, 1942, and were married 65 years at the time of his passing.
After their wedding, Charles was drafted into the Army and they moved to New York where they were stationed during his Army years. They next moved to Miami, Oklahoma while Charles attended college. Then, on to Memphis, Tennessee where Charles received his Doctorate in Optometry. Lea always worked, while Charles (whom she affectionately called Doc) was attending school and was quick to tell you she had a degree in PHTS. (Putting Husband Through School). After a short few years in Lebanon, Missouri where Doc had a private practice and Lea worked at a building and loan company, they moved to Columbia, Missouri. Charles went into practice with Dr. Joe Smith and Lea worked several different places as a bookkeeper.
However, her favorite job was working at Casual Corner Dress Store in the Columbia mall. She was their top salesperson and only worked 3-4 days a week. She always greeted customers with a wonderful smile and had a real talent for helping coordinate an outfit for them. Her customers loved her.
Lea loved ballroom dancing with Doc and a small circle of close friends. This group would travel all over the state, and out of state, attending dances together and Lea would always shine in her beautiful dancing dresses. She also enjoyed take cruises, oil painting, shopping, and eating out. She was well known among family and friends for her sweet tooth, especially where chocolate was concerned. She also loved her family and friends. Many holidays, birthdays, graduations, as well as other special events were spent celebrating with them.
Lea and Charles were among the founding members of Broadway Christian Church in Columbia and were always very active in church activities. Lea was also a long-time member of PEO.
In later years when life became difficult, Lea lived at Candlelight Lodge and then The Bluffs. Her nieces, nephews, and close friend Ruth always made sure that every holiday and birthday were celebrated with Lea and she was never forgotten.
Lea and Charles adopted two children, Charles James and Deborah Lea.
She was preceded in death by her husband; son, Charles James; and two brothers, James and Bill Wall. Also, sisters-in law and brother in laws Margaret Strayhall Lobmire (Bob), Joey Strayhall (Doris), and Frances Strayhall Bowser (Chuck). Surviving nieces and nephews are Mary Bowser (Merle), Dan Lobmire, Terry Bowser, Jody Srayhall (Bob) Benge, Marilyn Lobmire Hartung (JP), Kerry Strayhall (Jane), as well as many great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Broadway Christian Church (https://www.broadwaychristian.net/give).
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.17