Mrs. Frances H. Strickland was born May 25, 1926 in Fork, NC. She was the fourth child (James, Charlie, and John) of Mildred Mason Hege and Jesse Hege. She made her transition Thursday, September 19, 2013.

Her family moved to Winston-Salem in 1932 and resided in the Columbia Heights community. She graduated from Atkins High School in 1943. Married to Samuel Strickland, III in 1946, this union produced three daughters, Mildred, Maria, and Suzette.

Frances was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church serving in the Missionary circle, the Sunday school, and the Cancer Survivor ministries. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 220 and 453, a member of the Zion Memorial Senior Citizens Club, and an avid bowler with the North Carolina Baptist Hospital League at Major League Lanes. She retired from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center with over 20 years of service.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents; brothers; her husband, Samuel Strickland, III; and her sons-in-law, Ronnie C. Peppers and James D. Patterson.

Surviving are those who will cherish her memories her daughters, Mildred Peppers, Maria Strickland, and Suzette Willis; her good looking son-in-law, Joel S. Willis; three granddaughters, Frances Peppers, Blanche (Darren) Sawyer, and Joneice (Will) Pledger; four great-grandchildren, Xavier and Alexander Sawyer and Jaden and Carrington Pledger; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Funeral services will be held at 1pm Thursday, September 26, 2013 at Emmanuel Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. John Mendez officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will visit with friends one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the Church.
Special thanks to the North Tower WFBMC 4th Floor ICU, 8th Floor Renal Unit, Dr. Peter Robie, and Ms. Jasmine Stover.