Donna Lee Strickland

Donna Lee Strickland, of Marietta Georgia, passed away Monday, March 16, 2026. She was surrounded by family in the warm and peaceful Tranquility House of Marietta. Donna was born in Nashville TN in August of 1935 to Naomi Winsett and Harvill Garton, the only child. She attended school in Nashville, where she read every book in the local library, causing them to have to order more.

Donna was a full time employee all of her adult life. Her career included working at Genesco (TN), Emory University Department of Psychiatry and for the last 31 years before retirement she worked for The Attorney General’s office of Atlanta under Arthur K. Bolton, Michael J.Bowers and Thurbert E. Baker. She said the best thing she kept from her years there was her social group “The Old Broads”. These ladies, Susan, Peggy, Sandra, Cheryl, Jean, Wendy, Joyce, Carol, Betty, Laura and Jeanne Rue meant the world to her. She also had other law department friends she talked about and loved over the years.

Donna had some college, attending class at Georgia State in her 40s. She was a gifted writer and left behind pages of her creations. She also had a love of theater, both acting and singing in school and later as an adult. She joined many singing groups including The Notables, The Smyrna First United Methodist choir, and The Melody Makers. She performed into her 80s at both Cobb Senior Idol and The Sterling Estates talent show. By far her favorite thing to do though was read. She was amazingly fast and read every book she could get her hands on. She was also a collector. During her life she collected salt and pepper shakers, mice (including a live mouse pet), Autumn Leaf dishware, pitchers and her latest collection, giraffes. A rather large one named Jerry sat outside her door at Sterling Estates to the delight of residents and employees. She lived at Sterling Estates of West Cobb since it opened and loved the employees that cared for her there. She was a long time member of Smyrna First United Methodist church.

Donna was extremely proud of her family. She loved her kids and grandkids sometimes from afar and always with pride and caring. She talked people’s ears off with tales about their lives and adventures. From Alaska to Utah to Georgia and now Florida, she kept up with everyone and their pets.

Donna is predeceased by her parents Harvill and Naomi, her twin daughters Laura Mae Kelly and Sandra Kay Kelly, her son-in-law Rick Grimes and her husband Gary Powell.

Survived by her children: June Grimes, Micheal Allen Bull, Eve DeVane (Harvey) and Dawn Frazier Woods (Ron),Ruthie Lore Bull (Chris) and grandchildren: William Michael Frazier (Kelly), Calla Eve Frazier (Ashley), Alexandra Bull (Cameron), Austin Bull and Julia Lorell DeVane.

The family asked that in lieu of flowers donations be made in her name to The Tillman House Resource Center at 1314 Church Street SE, Smyrna GA 30080.

A celebration of her life will take place Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 11 am in the chapel of Carmichael Funeral Home in Smyrna. Carmichael Funeral Home in Smyrna is in charge of arrangements. www.carmichaelcares.com 770-435-4467