Shirley Strickland

Thank you for visiting the Strickland Family Web Page. To encourage and support the family in the days and weeks ahead please sign or send a condolence to the family by opening the condolence book above. Your condolence will then be given to the family. CLINTON, Ohio - Shirley J. Strickland Shirley J. Strickland went home to be with the Lord on August 17, 2009. She was surrounded by family and friends, and her holy angels. She was born October 20, 1948 in Akron, Ohio to Alvin and Waneta Smith. Shirley was one of the most amazing people you could ever meet, know and love. Her signature was her love that overflowed onto all who knew her and she expressed it in so many ways. She exemplified and exuded “others.” Shirley married her high school sweetheart, Fred and shined whenever she spoke of him-her lifelong love and she treasured her life being married to him. He was her joy and soul mate. She was the doting mother to Erik, and beaming grandmother to Olivia Grace. The glow of pride she wore for her son, Erik, who she loved dearly, is one that she was always happy to share. And the absolute adoration for her granddauther, Olivia Grace, was an affection that could not be measured Her love not only came through in her words, but more so in her actions. Her love for her family was evident to all who knew her—and even to those who did not. For those of us who were lucky enough to have known and been touched by this extraordinary woman we were blessed to have the opportunity to call her “sister,” “aunt,” “friend,” “teacher,” and “confidant.” Shirley always made you feel like you were the only person who mattered and there was no problem too small nor a conversation too insignificant that she wouldn’t be there to lend an ear, offer some advice and of course, her love. She was a school teacher with over 30 years of service. She served 18 years at Massillon Christian School and 5 years as the Art Director at Reimer Road Baptist Christian School--touching the lives of students and colleagues alike. Shirley always took the time to make each individual feel special and always met them where they were and was careful to never pass judgment but only offer Christ’s love. There is not a single student who passed through her classroom who was not impacted by her knowledge, passion and love. Shirley loved being a teacher. She also served in many other volunteer roles such as: An interpreter at Stan Hywet bringing history to life. A fresh perspective for The Women’s Auxiliary Board and Tudor Times member to Stan Hywet. A VNS / Hospice volunteer who developed and implemented the educational program that is made available to the families of those facing eminent loss. A servant to the homeless in our own backyard here in Akron as well as the place Shirley referred to as “home” in West Virginia. Shirley would say "do for others and expect nothing in return". She was a passionate and creative writing instructor for the Chapel Hill Retirement Home and the Interval Brotherhood Home. She was also a contributor to her home community offering her time and wisdom to the Clinton Historical Society and Clinton Garden Club and was gifted speaker who encouraged and uplifted those around her, both in our community and in West Virginia. Shirley’s love of Christ was something that she shared with family, friends and strangers through both her words and her actions. Her love of God was evident in every aspect of her life including her battle with cancer. She exhibited great strength—as she did with everything in her life—and never questioned God’s plan for her. Shirley was a witness—and knew that people would see Christ’s love through her even during a time when most people would not be able to see past the difficulty that they were faced with. Shirley Strickland will be loved, remembered and honored for the many ways she touched lives. She was a treasure to all her knew her on this earth and will be missed dearly. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Alvin and Waneta Smith. She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Fred; son, Erik (Kristen) Strickland; brother, Al (and loving sister-in-law,Carolyn) Smith; grandchildren, Olivia Grace, Derek and Cody. Funeral services will be at the Norton Baptist Church,Map to Church 4239 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Norton on Friday, August 21, 2009 beginning at 11:00 a.m. Pastor Dwight Strickland officiating. Interment 11:00 a.m. Saturday at Smith Run Cemetery, Harrisville, W.V. with Don Snider officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Visiting Nurse Services and Hospice, 3358 Ridgewood Road, Akron OH 44333 in Shirley’s honor.Hospice Website Bacher Funeral Home Norton, Ohio 1-330-825-3633