Betty “Melvalene” Strickland, 85, of the Murraytown Community, passed away peacefully into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on April 18, 2020, surrounded by her family. She was born in Nash County, on June 28, 1934, to the late Melvin and Reba Brantley Cone. She was proceeded in death by her husband of 62 years, Willard Earl Strickland. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
She worked and retired with 42 years of service as an administrative assistant in the Computing Center of her beloved North Carolina State University and was known to her colleagues as the “Country Girl.” She was a long time faithful member and supporter of Union Hope Baptist Church. She served many years as the church clerk, choir director, and dedicated her love of Christmas and crafts with others through church fellowship.
She was a beautiful soul, who loved her family and community dearly and was always sure to tell others she loved them even in her final days. She expressed her creative and artistic talents for many years by writing beautiful heartfelt poetry and designing personalized quilt squares for her mother to sew. Many family members were gifted poems and handmade quilts for special occasions to treasure. Melvalene had a great love for animals, especially her beloved George and Casey. She loved the NC State Wolfpack and enjoyed attending season basketball and football games for many years with her husband and grandchildren.
Melvalene is survived by her loving and dedicated daughter, Donna Strickland Bissette (David Brewer); granddaughter, Kristen Bissette Webb (Jimmy); grandson, Matthew Bissette (Lisa); great grandchildren: Eden and Brantley Webb and Lawsen and Weslyn Bissette.
The family extends their sincere appreciation to caregivers: Inez, Gale, Renee, Lois, Linda, Carolyn, Roxana, and Ella for the loving and professional care provided during her declining health. A private memorial service will be held April 21, 2020, at 1:00pm at Union Hope Baptist Church. A graveside service will immediately follow. Flowers accepted or memorials may be made to Union Hope Baptist Church, 12717 NC-97 Zebulon, NC 27597 or to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Her service will be available online 5 pm, Tuesday, www.facebook/stricklandfuneral. Arrangements are with Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, 211 W. Third St., Wendell. Full obituary at www.stricklandfumeral.com
25 Comments
So sorry Donna .you had the sweetest parents !! My heart goes out to you !!🙏❤
Beautiful and Precious video🙏🏻 She was beautiful inside and out. I cherish all the precious time and memories I have of her.❤️💐
One of the sweetest couples I had the honor of knowing- Mr Strickland has his Sweet Melvanlene back with him- prayers for your family
Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for comfort for your family. The video was such a great tribute to your beautiful mother.
I am so sorry for your loss ; Melvalene was so full of life, she seem to love everybody ; we had some good times choir practice ; way back when ; she has been missed along time, Donna, God bless you and your family!
Donna, I am so sorry for your loss. May God’s grace and love comfort you and your family today and in the future
So sorry for your loss. She was a beautiful person. Your parents were very special people to our family! The video was a beautiful tribute.
She was one of a kind & will be truly missed! Proud to call her my Aunt.
Donna, My deepest sympathy in the loss of your Mother. All my love and prayers for you and your family.
Donna, I always thought your mama was so pretty and sweet. You were blessed to have her with you for so long. I can tell how much she loved you and the grands. Beautiful family.
Thinking of you and your family Donna in this time of sadness.
I’m so very sorry for everyone’s loss. I hold fond memories of Miss Melvalene, as I grew at Union Hope, and in the Murraytown community. I had just spoken of her last week at work, and how she pierced my ears when I was little. ❤😢🙏
I have many fond memories of Mevalene. She was as sweet as she was beautiful. The obituary was so beautiful and the video was so special.
Melvalene was a role model and friend to me for many years. She made me feel welcomed when I first married into the Union Hope Community. My house has many lovely reminders of her handiwork. I will remember her always with love and friendship. She is now singing in the Heavenly choir.
Donna,
Larry and I send our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to you in this great loss. May wonderful memories comfort you.
Donna, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Your mom gave many local girls a chance to work while going to NCSU. She taught me so much about customer service and how to get the job done right. She made such an impact on many lives
Larry Strickland, Linda Matthews, Paul/Jeannie/Katie Arena send their deepest condolences to you and your family. Donna, your were the best daughter ever.
Donna and family we are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you during this difficult time and in the days to come . We are with you in spirit and prayers.
Beautiful tribute to a sweet lady. Her mama and daddy were like family to me.
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember her love for her family and church. I can’t imagine Union Hope without her. Praying for you all during this difficult time.
I just found out Mrs. Melvalene had passed and I send my condolences. She was a dear lady and her daughter and family supported her well. May God send you all comfort.
Donna, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I know it is hard but I pray you find peace. 💚🙏
rest in peace my special lady.
So sorry for your loss…our deepest sympathy to the family.
Donna I am so sorry about the passing of your mother. I know she was well-loved by her family. May you find peace and comfort in knowing she has gone home.
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