Mrs. Emma Ruth McDuffie Strickland, 88, of Manor, passed away late Monday evening, September 16, 2024, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House in Waycross.

Born in Kirkland, GA on April 26, 1936, she lived in Miami for most of her life before moving to Blackshear where she lived for a few years prior to moving to Waycross 9 years ago.  Mrs. Strickland was retired from the Dade County School System where she had been a lunchroom attendant.  An avid reader, she also enjoyed watching tv and working on puzzles.  In her younger days she had enjoyed knitting and crocheting.  Mrs. Strickland was a true animal lover and had rescued many dogs over the years.  She attended Zenith Baptist Church in Manor.

She was a daughter of the late John Dennis & Emma McGovern McDuffie.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Alonzo Strickland; an infant son, Joseph; and all of her siblings, Mae Thigpen, Marie Fender, Mary Fender, Bernadette Thigpen, and John Dennis McDuffie, Jr.

Survivors include two sons, Roland Anthony Strickland of Silver Springs, FL and Dennis Lonzo (Phyllis) Strickland of Crystal River, FL; 3 grandchildren, Alima Strickland, Tuoyafu, and James Strickland; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Mrs. Strickland’s wishes were to be cremated and have her cremains interred with her late husband at Bare Branch Cemetery in Atkinson County.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online register at www.pearsondial.com.

Pearson-Dial Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.