Jan Carol Gaston Strickland was born in Mobile, AL on February 19, 1962. She was a lifelong member of the Union Church Community in West Mobile County. Jan passed away on August 1, 2024. Preceding her in death were her parents, Emmett C. and Jewel Odom Gaston, and her sister-in-law, Jean Jumonville Gaston. Jan was a member of prominent farm family and was active in the management of the family business. Jan was a loving and compassionate provider of care for her parents, as both Mr. and Mrs. Gaston were very elderly when they passed away. Early in Jan’s life, she was an employee of Bellingrath Gardens. Jan was the perfect definition of Christian benevolence. Her family members and friends recognized her generosity and her ability to love unconditionally. Jan was a member of the First Baptist Church Grand Bay. She lived her faith on a daily basis.
Victor Gaston, Jan’s brother, survives her. Jan is also survived by her nephews, Hank Gaston (Laura) and George Gaston (Tawnya), as well as her very special sweethearts, her great-nephews, James, Jason, Noah, Matthew, Charlie and Cameron. Jan is also survived by many family member including special cousins, Linda Odom, Dale Johnson, Edith Gaston Roberts, Cindy Gaston Belletty, Andy Odom, and Mary Beth Fields. Jan’s family wishes to thank (this list is incomplete) friends who provided Jan with friendship and companionship. They include Patricia Ann Tapper, Debbie Evans, Mae Wells, Linda Older, Edith Crooks, Linda and Hiram Freeland, Faye and Ken Mahan, Taylor Older, and Sandra and James Parker.
Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Grand Bay on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 11 a.m. Interment will immediately follow at Union Baptist Church Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Jan’s nephews and great-nephews. The Rev. Denny McDavid will officiate the service and sacred music will be presented by Yanina Morris and Cathy Grimes. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Grand Bay, 10170 Grand Bay Wilmer Rd., Grand Bay, AL 36541. Condolences may be offered at www.radneyfuneralhome-mobile.com.
