OTHELLA STRICKLAND

Mrs. Othella Smith Strickland, 82, of (Kiblah Community) Doddridge, AR went home September 19, 2020 to be with her Savior, family and friends who waited for her. Othella was born February 1, 1938 in Kiblah, Arkansas. As the first born to Haglar and Nola Smith, she accepted Christ at an early age and joined the Unionville C.M.E. Church in Kiblah, Arkansas. She attended Kiblah School, and Booker T. Washington High School in Texarkana, AR where she graduated. Othella further her education at Pine Bluff AM & N College, where she received her degree in education. Upon completion, she returned home to Kiblah to teach at Kiblah High School. While attending Booker T. Washington High School, Othella met Herbert Strickland and they married August 10, 1960. After marriage they relocated to Los Angeles, CA and West Covina, CA. She continued her teaching career at the Long Beach Unified School District until retirement. She relocated back to Kiblah in 2010 until the Lord saw fit to call her from earth to her eternal home. Preceding her in death; husband, Herbert Strickland; parents, Haglar and Nola Smith and her sister, Ruby Lois Smith. She leaves to cherish her memory; Three brothers, Huey Smith, Texarkana, TX, William (Adrenal) Smith, Mt. Morris, MI and Chester (Carolyn) Smith, Kiblah, AR; Two Sisters Willene Smith (Charles) Sumpter, Mt. Morris, MI and Travistine Smith (Darnel) Johnson of Kiblah, AR; Sister-in-law; Elnora Stewart of Macedonia, TX, and Zolor R. Strickland, Las Vegas, NV; Special Nephew, Roger (Elverta) Robinson of Hampton, GA; Special Cousin, Jacqueline Young, Bloomburg, TX; A host of nephews, nieces and other relatives and friends. A general masked viewing will be held from 3:00-5:00 Friday at Lyles Funeral Home, Inc., Texarkana, AR A celebration of her life graveside service will be held Saturday, 11:00 a.m. at Fair Haven Cemetery, Texarkana, AR with the Rev. Darnel Johnson officiating. Interment will follow in Fair Haven Cemetery. Public is asked to wear mask! Online registration at www.lylesfuneralhomeinc.com.