Radeanna Ann Strickland Katz, 62, went to join her father in heaven on October 2 in Atlanta GA. She passed on to eternal life surrounded by loved ones after a brief illness. She was a light and joy to all who knew her and will be sorely missed.
Radeanna was born in Amarillo TX on December 22, 1960 to parents Eual and Norma Strickland. The youngest of four children and the only girl, she could easily have become a princess (her brothers might say she took advantage of her status when blame was being handed out), but she was much the opposite. She was kind, compassionate and always thinking of others. From her childhood through her graduation from Dumas High School in 1979, she was a best friend to many.
Following graduation, Radeanna’s adventurous spirit led her to Denton TX, where she attended North Texas University, graduating in 1985. Blessed with a talent for sales, she established her early career in the fitness club industry in Dallas. Her success would eventually take her to clubs in Las Vegas, Chicago, Phoenix, and finally Atlanta. During those years, she developed and cultivated close friendships that continued throughout her lifetime.
After 25 years in sales, Radeanna went into business for herself, forming Katz Investments, Inc., a highly successful commercial and residential Atlanta real estate holding company, where she owned and maintained numerous properties.
Throughout her life, Radeanna’s light touched the lives of everyone she met. She was a friend to all, one you felt you had known all your life even if meeting her briefly. She was known for her laugh, quick wit and great sense of humor. She excelled at storytelling and could turn simple, everyday encounters into hilarious epics that would have you in tears!
Radeanna’s professional success paled in comparison to her role as mother to her two sons, Bronson and Grayson. They were the sole reason for her being. She was happiest when spending time with them, guiding them and just talking with them every day. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, the thought of being separated from them was the driving force in her fight to successfully beat that disease. Some say that an experience like that makes you cherish the ones you love, but Radeanna cherished her sons unyieldingly every day of their lives. She was a mom who truly enjoyed her children. The light in her eyes never shone brighter than when she was with her boys and her grandson, Elliot.
Those who love her find comfort in knowing that her father was there to guide her from this world and welcome her into heaven. Her sons received verification of that sweet gesture soon after her passing. When they opened her phone, it opened to the last song she listened to before going to the hospital. The album artwork was two simple words, “Together Again.” Beyond this life, Radeanna continues to care for and protect her most precious gifts. In those simple words she left them a note of comfort and promise. Comfort in knowing that she was once again with her father in heaven, and a promise that she will be waiting for them to join her at the end of their happy and full lives. In the meantime, she will be reaching out to them in the most surprising ways to let them know she is with them and always will be.
Radeanna is preceded in death by her father, Eual Strickland. She leaves behind her two sons Bronson and Grayson [Natalia] and grandson Elliot; her mother, Norma Briggs [John]; brothers Rickey [Cindy], Randy [Mary], and Rod [Julie]; 13 nieces and nephews, and 6 cousins.
We look forward to celebrating a life well lived at 11:00am eastern time (10:00am central time) on Monday, October 9th at H.M Patterson - Oglethorpe Hill Chapel, 4550 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta GA. A live stream of the memorial service will be available for those who are unable to attend in person.
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