Barbara Keener Strickland

Mrs. Barbara K. Strickland, age 87 of Pearson, Ga. passed away Wednesday, November 27, 20l9 at Fellowship Home at Cotton Hill in Cuthbert, Ga. following an extended illness.

A native of Clayton, Ga., Mrs. Strickland was born October l9, l932, the only child of Alpha Omega Mozeley Keener and John Tavern Keener. She had been a resident of Pearson since l953.

Mrs. Strickland was an extremely educated woman. She was a graduate of General Studies from Rabun County High School. Continuing her education, she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Tift College in Forsyth, Georgia. Later, she earned her master’s degree and Educational Specialist Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Alabama. Adding to her resume, she earned a master’s degree in Reading and a Specialist Degree in Administration and Supervision from Valdosta State College.

After moving to Atkinson County, Mrs. Strickland began her teaching career at Douglas High School, which later became Coffee County high School, in the field of Home Economics – a position that she held for three years. After being hired by the Atkinson County School System, she taught mathematics for l5 years in grades 4 thru 8 at Kirkland Elementary, Pearson Elementary and Atkinson County High School. Following her tenure as a classroom teacher, she served as system Curriculum Director for the next seventeen years. In the spring of l990, Mrs. Strickland retired from her career as an educator, having taught countless students and mentoring many educators, in the positions that she held for a total of 35 years.

Mrs. Strickland was the recipient of many prestigious awards and she held many key positions. While a student at Tift College, she served as Student Body President and was elected as a Campus Superlative. She was a member of Kappa Delta Pi and Phi Delta Kappa and was a Magna Cum Laude graduate. She was also named Atkinson County Star Teacher in l974. She was a member of The Georgia Association of Curriculum and Instructional Supervisors and Georgia Association of Educators. And, she was a member of Beta Alpha Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International – an honorary organization for women educators.

She became a member of Pearson United Methodist Church in l955. She taught multiple Sunday School Classes and worked in many different capacities in the UMW group. She was also a member of the Pearson Woman’s Club. Away from her career and organizational involvement, in her private life, Mrs. Strickland had many interests and hobbies. She enjoyed reading, furniture refinishing, interior decoration, flower arranging, traveling, gardening and oil painting. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, Sidney (Sid) Strickland, Sr.

Survivors include one son, Sidney (Sid) Strickland, Jr. and wife Lavon of Blakely, Ga. and a daughter, Cynthia Lynn (Cindy) Strickland Lewis of Pearson, Ga.

Funeral services for Mrs. Strickland were held at ll:00 A. M. Saturday, November 30, 20l9 at the Pearson United Methodist Church with Rev. Henry Bass officiating and Eulogy given by Mrs. Laverne Carver.   Special music was “Amazing Grace” by the attending congregation with Phil Liles accompanying at the piano. Soft music for the Prelude and Postlude was by Phil Liles, pianist. The interment followed at 3:00 P. M. Saturday at Blakeley City Cemetery in Blakely, Ga.

Serving as active pallbearers were, L. H. James, Alonza Cady, William White, Charlie Bray,

Kyle Lott and Tom Morris. Honorary pallbearers were retired educators and members of Delta Kappa Gamma.

Relihan Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.