Betty M. Strickland

Betty M. Strickland passed away peacefully at her residence in Tyler, TX on Saturday December 18th 2021. Born May 1st 1940 in Jellico, TN to the parents of Hind and Hallene Nappa. She was proud of her Lebanese roots. She grew up the baby and only girl of her family, she had three older brothers, Rufus, Joe and Mike. She married the love of her life, James Strickland, and shared 63 years of marriage together. He passed away March of this year. We find comfort knowing they are together again. Jim and Betty were the definition of true love. They had an extraordinary life together. Betty was tiny but fierce. The family will miss the spitfire that she was. She worked and retired from East Texas Medical Center in Tyler. She also took care of the financial end of Jim Strickland Production Service, her husband’s business. She was preceded in death by her husband, James Strickland; and son, Jimmy Strickland, losing both of them this year; her parents, Hind and Hallene; and brothers, Joe and Rufus. She is survived by her brother, Mike Nappa of Plano; daughter, Nadia Strickland of Tyler; daughter, Suzanne Strickland and wife Toni of Tyler; granddaughter, Jamie Smith and husband Jeremy of Tyler; and her precious great-granddaughter, Lillian Marie Smith, daughter to Jamie and Jeremy. The family would like to recognize Argie Walker, who became family 35 years ago; Debbie Bembenek, who we all know and love as #3; daughter-in-law, Jana Strickland; granddaughters, Ashley Greener and husband Blake and Sara Kennedy and husband Steven; great-grands, Evelyn and Sullivan Kennedy and Ellie Greener of Houston; and extended family that included many in-laws and loved ones. She had strong faith in the Lord and we know she is with him today. She was proud of her family, and loved them dearly. She will be missed by so many. The family would like to recognize Hospice of East Texas for the wonderful care. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Stewart Family Funeral Home. A private ceremony for the family will take place at Rose Lawn Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to your organization of choice.

Betty M. Strickland

May 1, 1940 - December 18, 2021