Ruth Elder Matthews Strickland, 93, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ early in the morning of Saturday, February 6, 2021. She was born October 19, 1927, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to the late Paul Abraham Matthews and Mildred Hood Matthews. Ruth always enjoyed beautiful flowers, pineapple milkshakes, caramel frappes, the movie theater, music, CrazyBee Rummy cardgame, traveling, and, of course, all things Williamsburg!
As a child, Ruth sang on The Birthday Club radio program and occasionally on the back of her daddy's truck bed during her growing up years in the Great Depression. Throughout her life she would share her beautiful song-bird voice in church choirs and family sings.
For many years, Ruth worked for Paul Sebastian and Ralph Lauren as a fragrance associate at several local department stores. She was very gifted at convincing customers to purchase large baskets full of sweet-smelling products, earning her accolades from her employers. Ruth met her husband Ed while he was serving in the Marines and waited for his return from the war to marry the handsome man she had treasured through correspondence. He adored her, and she loved him dearly for 46 years.
Ruth loved her family deeply! She enjoyed every little moment, every meal, every family trip, and every celebration. If singing broke out, that made the family time together even better. She treasured her many friends, adored all little children, and never met a stranger.
She faithfully worshiped at London Bridge Baptist Church and spoke of her love for Jesus with everyone she met. Her faith is now made sight as she is in the presence of her Savior for eternity.
Ruth is now reunited with her beloved husband, Edward Barrett Strickland; brothers, Clarence Matthews, William (Bill) Matthews, Paul Matthews Jr, Harold Matthews, and Reid Matthews; sisters, Nancy Jeffreys, Magdalene Haskins, Dorris Matthews, and Florence Mullin; and dear grandson, Michael Strickland.
She is survived by her children: Cynthia Williams (Christopher) of Virginia Beach, Va; Stanley Strickland (Teresa) of Estero, Fl; Susan Strickland of Virginia Beach, Va; and Steve Strickland (Lynda) of Chattanooga, Tn; sister, Mary Lou Hart of Chesapeake, Va; and grandchildren: Heather Strickland, Brandon Shaffer, Christopher Strickland (Kelsey), Harrison Strickland (Bailey), Jackson Strickland, Matthew Williams, Alexandra Williams, and Chandler Strickland.
Visitation will be held at Smith and Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville location, at 4889 Princess Anne Road, on Friday, February 12, 2021, from 5pm to 7pm. Due to covid restrictions, masks are required. Private funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 13, 2021, at 1pm at London Bridge Baptist Church. Live stream of the service will be available online at londonbridge.org/events.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate gifts to St. Jude Children's Hospital, a charity Ruth supported throughout her life.
