Barbara Ann Strickland

Barbara Ann Sanders Strickland was born January 2, 1943 in Lizella, Georgia. She transitioned into eternal life on Sunday, July 22, 2018 at Scioto Community Health Care Facility of Columbus (Ohio). When Barbara was an infant, her parents relocated to Macon (Bibb County), Georgia, where she grew up and subsequently was educated through the public school system (Hazel Street Elementary and Ballard Hudson High School). In her late teens/early twenties, Barbara moved to Atlanta, Georgia where she met a young man named Homer Strickland. Their friendship grew stronger with the progression of time and obviously it became a love affair. Ultimately, Homer proposed to Barbara; she accepted the proposal and, on May 27, 1967, they entered into Holy Wedlock. Into their union were born two sons, Christopher Dion and Eric Devon. By the time our boys had reached the ages of five and four, respectively, Homer and Barbara relocated their family to Powell, Ohio. Barbara was truly a loving wife, a loving mother and a remarkable homemaker who knew very well how to make a home exactly what it should be…full of love, joy, peace and happiness. She was definitely a “people person” who never met a stranger. Everyone who knew Barbara loved and respected her unconditionally. Barbara loved entertaining guests in the home. She took great pride in preparing hors d’oeuvres and such for the guests. Needless to mention, Barbara was an excellent cook who put a lot of love in every meal that she prepared for her family. Barbara and her family were active members of St. John A.M.E Church in Worthington, Ohio. She enjoyed singing in the choir, chairing the church’s annual Fish Fry fundraising event and serving on the Trustee Board. Barbara is preceded in death by her mother Leila Mae Watson, brother Howard Watson, and sisters, Rose Alderman, Nancy (Jackie) Baker and Ella Frances Pernell. She is survived by devoted husband of 27 years, Homer A. Strickland; sons, Christopher Dion (Shanette) Strickland of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and Eric Devon (LaTonya) Strickland of Canal Winchester, Ohio; grandsons, Christopher Dion Strickland, II, Shon Ethan Strickland and Jayden Devon Strickland; sisters, Alma Lennon of Orlando, Florida, Lizzie Mae (J. W.) Stafford of Atlanta, Georgia, and Annette (Marion) Rucker; brothers, Larry (Frances) Watson of Jacksonville, Florida, and Kenneth (Janice) Watson of Conyers, Georgia; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.