Mr. Jerry Strickland

Mr. Jerry Strickland, age 65, of Utica, passed away on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at the St. Elizabeth Medical Center. Born in Wilson, North Carolina, on May 12, 1950 Jerry was the son of the late Jesse Lee and Gladys (Hunter) Strickland. He attended Darden High School in Wilson, NC. At one time, Jerry worked in retail in North Carolina. He was an intelligent and capable person with a heart of gold. When Jerry needed assisted living in 1995, he became a resident of the Focus Rehabilitation Center and has been a member of their family for 21 years. He was very much loved by the staff and residents and for many years, Jerry would go to the store across the street from the facility for patients who were unable to make it out, and even for people who could not make the trip for other reasons. This is how he earned his money, and everyone said that even though he had health conditions of his own, he still took the time to take care of other people. Jerry was also a good brother. He enjoyed recalling the family history and sharing the company of his relatives when they visited him, especially his sister, Helen. Jerry is survived by his daughter, Thelma Jones; his sister and brother-in-law, Helen and Neil Saxe of Utica; his sister-in-law, Louise Strickland; his brother-in-law, Willie Diggins; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brothers, Bobby Strickland, and James Lee Strickland; his sisters and brother-in-law, Ellen and Percell Ruffin, Jr., Grace Diggins, and Patricia Strickland; his niece, Karen Strickland-Ruffin; and his nephews, Timothy McGill, and Michael McGill. The family is grateful to the staff of the Focus Rehabilitation Center and the community of family and friends he was blessed with over the years. Visitation will be held Friday from 1:00-2:00 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Jerry’s funeral service and Home Going Celebration will commence on Friday afternoon at 2:00 at the funeral home immediately upon conclusion of visitation with Pastor Sharon Hawkins officiating the ceremony. Interment will take place in Forest Hill Cemetery at the convenience of the family.

Mr. Jerry Strickland

May 12, 1950 - March 17, 2016