Carlene Taylor Strowd passed away March 16, 2018. Dude, as she was affectionately known by family and friends, was born August 5, 1925 in Crystal Springs, MS to Carl and Evelyn Roper Taylor of Crystal Springs. She was predeceased by her sister, Sue Taylor Bryan Mayo Neely, husband, Henry Ray Strowd and nephew, William G. Bryan, III.
Dude was an avid Mississippi State University fan and loved attending MSU sports events, especially baseball and football. Everything around her was “wrapped in Maroon and White!” She was presented a MSU Distinguished Service Award in 1988, and she and Ray have two bricks on the Walk of Honor leading to the Eternal Flame Monument on the MSU Campus.
Dude attended Belhaven College and went on to work and retire from Mississippi Power and Light after 39 years of service. Dude was also hostess for many charitable events including golfing tournaments to support the Ronald McDonald House, a "home away from home" for families of seriously ill children who travel to Jackson for specialized medical care. She and Ray were longtime members of Broadmoor Baptist Church.
Dude loved to dance. She and Ray were frequently seen at the “Capital City Club” in Jackson dancing the nights away. As she aged, she would say, “I may not can walk, but I can still dance!”
Dude is survived by her nephews, Jim Bryan (Julia) of Crystal Springs, Dr. William S. Mayo (Cherri) of Oxford, niece-in-law, Cindy Welch Bryan of Madison, numerous cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many friends who loved her dearly.
Visitation will be held Lakewood Funeral Home in Jackson on Monday, March 19 from 2-3 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made through the Mississippi State University Foundation and designated for the Compass Scholarship fund. Commitments may be made online at www.msufoundation.com or checks payable to the MSU Foundation Inc. may be mailed to P. O. Box 6149, Mississippi State, MS 39762.
Please visit lakewoodfuneralhomes.com for online guestbook.
