Josephine Lewis Strickland

First generation American, she was the oldest of four children born to Lebanese parents, the late Joseph (Joe) Deeb Lewis and the late Anicia Lewis. She was a lifelong resident of Athens, with the majority of her life spent in the 5 Points area.

She attended Clarke County schools and was a 1950 Graduate of Athens High. In 1954, she received a Bachelor’s degree in Education, majoring in Health and Physical Education from the University of Georgia and went on to teach at Campbell High School in Fairburn and was a teacher and basketball coach at Sacred Heart School in Atlanta. She later taught a number of different courses in the Women’s Physical Education Department at UGA until her retirement in 1971.

She was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Athens and at one point taught Physical Education at St. Joseph Catholic School. She was also a huge supporter of UGA Athletics, especially UGA football and Lady Dogs Basketball, including being a dedicated member of the Fast Break Club.

Following the death of her sons, David and Johnny, she found solace in the group Compassionate Friends and remained involved for many years helping countless newly bereaved members. After retirement, she volunteered her time in many different areas, including helping with various Muscular Dystrophy Association events and the Special Olympics. She also served on the Mayor’s Committee for Employment of the Handicapped and worked for many years at the Election Polls for Athens-Clarke County. Most of all, her favorite role was as “Mimi” to her granddaughter, Danielle.

In addition to her parents and sons, she was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Billy Strickland; her brothers, Deeb and Johnny Lewis; and longtime family friend, Frances Sims.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Terri Strickland Guy and Dana Guy; granddaughter, Danielle Guy Womack and her husband, Nathan Womack; sister, JoAn Lewis Salloum and her husband, Tony Salloum; sisters-in-law, Martha Strickland and Gaye Strickland; and a host of nephews, nieces, and cousins.

A Rosary will be held Wednesday, August 9, 2023 from 5:30 PM to 6:00 PM, at Bernstein Funeral Home, 3195 Atlanta Hwy., Athens, Georgia 30606. Visitation will follow the rosary from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, also at Bernstein Funeral Home.

A Funeral Mass will be held Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 11:30 AM, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 958 Epps Bridge Pkwy., Athens, Georgia 30606.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Brian Strickland, Jeff Strickland, Karl Haden, Keith Strickland, Tim Strickland, and Tony J. Salloum.

Josephine will be laid to rest in Evergreen Memorial Park, 3655 Atlanta Hwy., Athens, Georgia 30606.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Monsignor Donovan Catholic High School, 590 Lavender Rd., Athens, GA 30606, St. Joseph Catholic School, 958 Epps Bridge Pkwy., Athens, GA 30606, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 958 Epps Bridge Pkwy., Athens, GA 30606, or the Muscular Dystrophy Association, WEB PO Box 97075, Washington, DC 20090-7075.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.BernsteinFuneralHome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.