Ruth Strickland

Ms. Ruth L. Henderson Strickland, age 97, passed away on the evening of Tuesday, May 4th, 2021 at her home in Kingsland, Ga. with her loving family by her side.

Ms. Strickland was born on July 13th, 1923 in Manor, Ga. to the late James and Eliza Henderson.

Ruth L. Strickland was a pillar of strength for many members of her family. A loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was poised and tender, steadfast and sturdy in her faith.

She led by example, living a life committed to God, her family, nature, and her community. She taught us how to make the best out of a tough time, to always offer loving kindness regardless of the circumstances, and to be grateful for our blessings.

Her faith in the Lord allowed her to be a beacon to the world. Her light shined so brightly that it was sure to touch your soul. She gave unconditional love and forgiveness freely, dedicated to following the will of God above her own.

Ruth was one of ten children raised on farmland in Manor, GA. No stranger to a struggle, it was there that she first learned to be resourceful, courageous, and hardworking. She did not complain of wanting a different life, desiring more things, easy things. She told a story of doing what must be done to survive with honor and integrity and thanking God for the beauty that was present in her life. She showed gratitude for the blessings that she had.

In May of 1940, she married her first sweetheart, James O’Neal, at the age of 16. They began to build their family, welcoming two sons, Carl and Jerry O’Neal. Life would soon call for Ruth to respond with strength, faith, and courage as WWII requested the service of American’s men and women. James entered the Army in the beginning of 1944 and Ruth took on the role of sole caretaker. On Dec. 17th 1944, James was sent overseas to serve as a rifleman with Company B, 38th Infantry, US Army in Belgium. He was killed in action only a few weeks later on Jan. 30th, 1945 at the end of the Battle of The Bulge. Ruth, at the age of 21, was now a widow left to care for her two sons who were 3 years old and 3 weeks old.

She would not have to carry the load of parenthood alone for very long. In October of 1947, she married the love of her life, Claude Strickland. They expanded their family with two more children, Dennis and Cathy. Together, they planted seeds of love, hard-work, and courage. Over the years, those seeds took root and their legacy spread throughout their children and grandchildren.

Grief and loss continued to be present throughout Ruth’s life. In 1979, her son, Dennis, was taken from this world prematurely due to a hunting accident. In 2013, her oldest son, Carl, passed away.

The pain of a parent outliving two children was not enough to break her faith and love for God and her remaining family. She continued to show up mighty and tall, unwavering and unafraid. Ruth lived a life as noble and bold as Job. She stood taller and worked harder than some of history’s most notable men. She was the backbone of her family, an anchor in her faith, and a living testament to the strength of accepting God’s will above her own.

She was a woman held dear by the love of two good men, valued by her family, and respected by her community. She lived a rich life of 97 years, stepping in the footsteps of her Lord for as much of it as she could. Ruth L. Strickland is a legend and her legacy continues to live as it grows stronger in those of us left to carry her memory forward.

Ms. Strickland is survived by her son, Jerry O’Neal and wife, Sara of McDonough, Ga.; her daughter, Cathy Passarella of Kingsland, Ga.; her brother, Frank Henderson and wife, Pauline of Waycross, Ga.; her sisters, Nadine Godfrey of Waycross, Ga. and Lowana McClellan of Yulee, Fl.; her grandchildren, Carla, Todd, Shannon, Brian, Deanna, and Claudia; her many great-grand and great-great grandchildren; and her numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Besides her parents, Ms. Strickland joins her beloved husband, Claude Strickland and sons, Carl O’Neal and Dennis Strickland, four brothers and two sisters in Heaven.

A visitation will be from 1 pm to 2 pm on Friday, May 7th, 2021 at Kingsland First Baptist Church. A service will follow in the Church at 2 pm with Reverend Vernon Dillingham and Pastor Brian Parker presiding. Interment will be held in Lawnwood Cemetery in Kingsland, Ga. Brian O’Neal, Ryan Kenton, Frank Kenton, Danny Mobbs, Russell O’Quinn, and Mike Brazell will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Joy Sunday School Class and the members of the Kingsland Woman’s Club.