Birth Date: 03/27/1945
Deceased Date: 09/13/2021
Kay Frances Jones Strickland, 76, passed away peacefully on September 13 after a long journey through Alzheimer’s. Kay was born on March 27, 1945 to Lisbon and Maria Jones of Smithfield, NC.
As a child, she was an avid reader and writer and excelled in school. She served as a Marshall at Smithfield High School and graduated in 1963. Upon high school graduation, she attended East Carolina University, receiving an English degree in teaching in 1967. On May 31, 1967, Kay and Don Strickland were married. They raised three children, and were life partners for fifty-four years.
In adulthood, she worked for Health Application Systems and Electronic Data Systems as a technical writer and supervisor for Medicaid, for Jefferson Marketing, for the Department of Social Services as a disability determiner, and for St. James United Methodist Church as the church secretary. She was a faithful volunteer with Meals on Wheels and a lifelong member of Saint James UMC of Raleigh. At Saint James, she served as a Sunday School teacher, a member of United Methodist Women, a prayer team member, a bread ministry member and as a Joyful Noise singer with Don.
Her greatest joys came from cooking Sunday lunch for the family, serving others, working with Don at his family farm, and caring for her children, including her sons-in-law and six grandchildren. She spent many years supporting the efforts of Wilder’s Grove Youth Center and Southall Swim and Racquet Club where her children played sports and developed lifelong friendships.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Marie and Lisbon Jones, and her brother, Ray Jones. She is survived by her husband, Don Strickland, and her children: Jon Strickland (Melony) and son Nathan; Julie Hagerman (David) and children, Katelyn and DJ; Emily Murdock (Jack) and children, Madeline Tew (Tyler), Mary Elaine Murdock, Connor Murdock. The family wishes to thank Heartland Hospice Services and Avendelle Assisted Living at Rolesville for their tireless care of Kay during her illness. Additionally, the family is forever grateful to Village Church Rolesville for their pastoral care during this difficult time
The family will receive visitors at Saint James UMC at 3808 St James Church Rd Raleigh, NC 27604, on Sunday, September 19 at 1:00. The funeral and inurnment service will follow at 2:00. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to St. James United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be shared at CremationSocietyNC.com
