Rachel Strickland, 73, was granted her angel wings on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 in her south Weldon home.
Rachel was born December 3, 1943 in Halifax County to the late Robert G. Walls and Elizabeth “Libby” Carter Walls. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Thomas B. “Red” Strickland; her brother, Robert “Buddy” Walls; her sister, Barbara Blake and her ever devoted son-in-law, Curtis Richardson, Jr.
Her life seemed too short to many but those who were touched by her understood that the quality of one’s existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Her outspoken personality and stern hand and gentle smile will remain in our hearts forever. She enjoyed family, cooking and most of all gardening and yard work. Rachel spent 36 years working at JP Stevens, Bibb and Westpoint Mills. Her final days were spent surrounded by the warmth of close family and friends. Although tiny and frail she gave us all such courage and hope. She reminded us of the preciousness of life.
She is survived by her close friend, George Ivey; her brother, Ronald “Ronnie” Walls; her two daughters, Sheryl Barkley Mead Ormond and her husband James “Jay” of New Bern; Anita Strickland of the home; her son, Buddy “Buck” Barkley of Bicknell, IN; her grandchildren, Richard Barkley and Madrey Clay of Winston-Salem, Douglas Mead, Michael Mead, Darrell Mead II and his wife Leanna Bryant Mead, Amanda Richardson and Curtis Bryant Richardson; nine great-grandchildren.
Graveside Services will be held 2:00 P.M. Friday, February 24, 2017 at Cedarwood Cemetery in Weldon with Rev. Roy Porter officiating. The family will receive friends from 7:00 – 8:30 P.M. Thursday, February 23, 2017 at Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Service.
Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.