Carole Jean Strickland

She was born August 1, 1939, at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City. Her loving parents were Jack and Doris (Hopper) Floyd. Carole graduated from Northwest Classen High School and then attended Oklahoma Baptist University. She came to know the Lord at age 15 and at that time was attending Olivet Baptist Church with her high school sweetheart and future husband, Jim "Gene". Carole and Jim were married December 21, 1957, and recently celebrated their 65 wedding anniversary.

Carole loved her family and prayed for each and every member. She was a shining example of a Godly wife and mother, from patiently teaching her daughters to sew from a young age, encouraging and supporting everyone's numerous church and school activities, and consistently providing wonderful home-cooked meals. Carole loved to knit and crochet and in her 80's was teaching her daughters how to crochet. As an adult she faithfully served at Meadowood Baptist Church of Midwest City, First Southern Baptist Church of Del City, and Southern Hills Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, in both the vocal and handbell choirs. She was active in Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) and always enjoyed her time and friendship with the "lunch bunch."

She loved to keep her mind busy and recently began learning Spanish and loved working Sudoku puzzles. Some of her fondest memories as a child were running around Norman, Oklahoma, and the OU campus with her sister and cousins, Sandra, Janell and Avon. She also spoke frequently and fondly of her lifelong friend, Joan Woolley ... a friendship that lasted 72 years. She had been employed by many during her lifetime, with her most recent employment as legal secretary for the law firm of Guy E. Taylor, Esq. This began a new, loyal friendship with Mr. Taylor and his wife, Kathy, that lasted until her passing.

Carole was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Donna Jo Holly.

She is survived by her husband, Jim, daughters Tamara (Jack) Ligon, Tari Strickland and Gina Starr; grandchildren Justin Allen, Jarod Allen (Brooke), Jessica Tucker (Russell), Matthew Ligon (Anna), Adam Ligon (Jessica), Nicole Seaman, Corey Seaman, Christopher Staats; great-grandchildren Jonas and Hazel Allen, Brylan and Brytan Webb, Jayden Spangler, Aviva and Eliora Tucker, Liam, Raya, Cobe, Summer, Ethan and Lilly Ligon.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2023, at Southern Hills Baptist Church of Oklahoma City.

Interment will be held at 10:00 am, Monday, September 18, 2023, at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are Jack Ligon, Justin Allen, Jarod Allen, Corey Seaman, Jonas Allen and Nicole Seaman.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemorialParkOKC.com for the Strickland family.