Doris Emma Strickland

Doris Emma Strickland died ThursdayMarch 25, 2021, after a long, courageous fight with Alzheimer’s. She passed away at her family home in Ellijay surrounded by family.

She was born in Ellijay, in a small humble house on Turniptown Road July 2, 1940. She was a proud native of Gilmer County whose family line runs deep there. She loved her mountain home. She and husband, Bryant were fortunate to be able to watch many beautiful sunsets behind the mountains she loved from their front porch.

Her smile was as warm as the sun and would light every crevice of darkness in a room. She genuinely cared for people and never met a stranger. She dedicated many years of work to the Coosawattee Shrine Club — Women’s Auxillary to include leading them as president for one of those years. She was also a member of the Eastern Star. 

She loved the Lord and was never afraid to take a stand for what she believed, no matter what those around her thought. The family has often said that “if Mama didn’t make it to heaven no one would.”

She enjoyed traveling with husband, Bryant and their kids and grandkids. Their travels allowed her to see all of the 50 states but two (Oregon and Washington state). One adventure included a road trip in a motor home from Georgia to Alaska with her husband, daughter, son-in-law and five grandchildren that spanned 11,062 miles in 26 days. Another included a trip to Hawaii to welcome her first grandchild.

As much as she loved to travel, she was most excited to see her son, who was serving in the Army, daughter in law and that precious new baby. 

Although she never enjoyed seafood, she was excited to join her daughter and son-in-law on the Georgia coast for an oyster festival. 

She was so happy to be able to sit with her family and shuck the oysters for them to enjoy. That is who she is — a proud wife, mother, nanny and friend. Her only want was to spend time with her family and many friends.

She was the daughter of Augustus and Beulah Smith and was survived by sister, Alice Grizzle.

She married Bryant Strickland, celebrating 51-plus years of marriage. She was dearly loved by three children, Frankie James, Nora Faulkner and Michelle Carleton.

She welcomed her children’s spouses, Beth James, Leroy Faulkner and John Carleton into the family with open arms. God blessed her with eight grandchildren, Stephen James (currently serving in the U.S. Air Force), Michaela Pritchard, Mariah James, Andrew Carleton, Erin Leigh Carleton, Coco Carleton, Alan Carleton and John Carleton. She also got to welcome in three great-grandchildren, Dallas James, Dory James and Eliza Pritchard.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 29, 2021, at the Logan Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Russell Hood officiating.

Donations can be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Condolences can be made at www.loganfuneralhome.com.

Logan Funeral Home & Chapel was in charge of arrangements.