VERNA ELLEN STRICKLAND

Services: 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6, Bible Baptist Church in Buffalo, under the direction of Montgomery-Viets Funeral Home of Buffalo. Burial in Memorial Gardens of Memory.

Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

Dr. Robert Baker will officiate. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Escorts are Justin Kindle, Dan Miller, Dennis Strickland, Jim Louderbaugh, David Louderbaugh and Warren Louderbaugh. Honorary escorts are Laura Fullington, Jennifer Crandall, Andrea Givens, Crystal Donaldson, Diane Weeda and Vichy McTavish.

Verna E. Strickland, 71, was born in Buffalo, on March 5, 1944, the daughter of Hubert and Sarah Strickland. She died Oct. 3, 2015, at Colonial Springs Healthcare Center.

She lived all her life in Buffalo.

She was employed by D.A. Mallory Elementary as a Title 1 reading teacher for 32 years, retiring in 2010. Children always brought her joy; even after retirement she was still active with the school system by substitute teaching.

She traveled to many places, both near and far. She had a passion for reading, making baskets, playing the piano and was active with Relay For Life.

She was a member of Bible Baptist Church for over 40 years. She also played the organ there.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Survivors include her sister, Bethel Miller, Lees Summit; one brother, Lawrence Strickland, Buffalo; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. She will be deeply missed by family and friends.