Eva Mae Butler Strickland was a devoted wife and caring mother who loved to serve her family and friends. She passed away quietly in her sleep on March 27, 2023, seven days after celebrating her 91st birthday.

Eva was the youngest of seven children born to John Butler and Rossie Fowler Butler.  The Butlers were farmers and the children learned to work hard at a young age. She loved to help her mother cook and keep their home clean. The family attended the Baptist church where Eva learned that she had a natural gift for playing the piano "by ear."

Eva graduated from Roseboro High School in 1950.  In 1958, she married Melvin A. Strickland.  The couple lived in Fayetteville for a time but moved to New Jersey after Melvin was discharged from the Army. Eva was well known for her delicious cooking and impeccable homemaking skills.  By profession, she was a Certified Nursing Assistant who worked in hospitals and nursing homes.

In 1970, Melvin and Eva joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In 1971, they adopted their daughter, Valerie. When Melvin retired from the US Postal Service in 1981, the family moved to Clemmons, NC.  The couple focused on raising their daughter and active church service. From 1990-2005, they volunteered in the Atlanta, GA and Raleigh, NC temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  After Melvin's death in 2009, Eva continued her church service as a librarian until she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2014. She spent her last eight years being cared for by her daughter and the compassionate staff at The Haven in Pineville, NC.

Eva was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and husband of fifty-one years.

Those who will lovingly remember her include her daughter, Valerie Strickland Johnson; son-in-law, Bronald Johnson; granddaughter, Nicole Johnson; grandson, Daniel Johnson; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 3, 2023, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 4260 Clinard Road, Clemmons, NC 27012. The viewing will be held from 11:00am - 12:00pm. The funeral will begin at 12:30pm with a luncheon to follow.

Floral arrangements may be sent to Russell Funeral Home, 822 Carl Russell Avenue, Winston-Salem, NC 2701.