Garnieta Strickland

Our gentle Mama, Garnieta Nelson Strickland, went home to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at the age of 88, while in the care of her children, following a brief illness. She was born on May 11, 1933 to Reverend James Monroe and Eunice Estelle (Walker) Nelson of Covington County and later Opp, Alabama; the fifth of seven sisters and brothers. She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Robert Hamilton Strickland. She is survived by her children, Patricia Strickland and Robert Stephen Strickland; her younger siblings, Marilyn Anderson and Ronald Nelson; an especially dear niece, Sandra Lee Black; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; her dear sisters in Christ, Karen Bush, Marti Richardson, Linda Helms, Anita Helms, and Kathryn Helms; and her sisters and brothers in Christ at Eastmont Baptist Church.

She is remembered for her sweet spirit, thoughtfulness, kindness, generosity, servant heart, and devotion to family. She epitomized the Proverbs 31 woman. Her joy was serving God; nurturing generations of Eastmont Bed Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers; and serving her family and friends.

Having attended and taught Children’s Sunday School at Oakey Ridge Baptist Church, where her father served as Pastor, Mama joined Second Baptist Church (renamed Eastmont) after moving to Montgomery for work. She was soon joined there by Robert following their marriage at Second Baptist in 1954. Mama was a true and faithful servant of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She served her Savior as a Children’s Sunday School Teacher at Eastmont and as a devoted member of the Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) for over 60 years.

Following high school graduation, Mama worked in Opp for a time before moving to Montgomery for a job with the Montgomery County Court System. She retired as a Court Clerk with the Alabama Office of Courts after 40 years of service.

She was a devoted and industrious wife, mother, and homemaker. She was an energetic vegetable gardener and cook, laying aside vegetables for daily meals, family gatherings, and church functions. She was also an ambitious flower gardener.

Pallbearers: Johnny Lee, Danny Lee, Gary Strickland, David Strickland, Tommie Burdick, and Lamar Dykes

Honorary Pallbearers: Philip Reeves; Otis Reeves, III; Arnold Fuller; Hal Richardson; Mike Northcutt; Art Long; and Jeremy Lynch

Please, join in celebrating Mama’s life at Eastmont Baptist Church on Saturday, September 4th. Visitation will begin at 9:00am and the funeral service at 10:00am with Pastor Frank Bowling officiating. The graveside service will follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Eastmont Baptist Church Children’s Ministry. Online condolences for the Strickland family may be shared at: www.Leak-MC.com.