Tommie Strickland
O Fallon |
Tommie Elizabeth Strickland, 94, of O’Fallon, IL, born on May 13, 1930, in Osage, TX, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at her home.
Growing up in Osage, Tommie was exposed to dancing, piano lessons, and “elocution” training at a young age; however, she was mainly a tom-boy, playing along the creek and entering all the games in town. At six years old, she began second grade (skipping first) and graduated high school when she was barely 16. She met her husband in school and they married in 1951. Her career was spread across various clerical jobs where her family was stationed. She gave birth to her son Michael in 1952, followed by her daughter Leslie in 1956.
She was a devoted military spouse and mother and an even more devoted “Grannie” to her three granddaughters. Throughout her life she journeyed across the United States and even overseas, however her greatest adventure was watching her family grow. Her life was filled with birthdays, weddings, faith, and butterflies and the light she brought continues to shine.
Tommie was preceded in death by her parents, Clinton Albert and Alma Belle Tubbs (nee Petree); her beloved husband, Jack Connally Strickland; one son, Michael Clinton Strickland; two brothers, Stanley Ivon Tubbs, Clinton Albert Tubbs Jr.; and one sister, Clevie “Donnell” Tubbs Bland.
Left to cherish Tommie’s memory are her daughter, Leslie (Kyle) Fink of O’Fallon, IL; three grandchildren, Alissa Gayle (Jared) Cooper, Cassandra Anne (Ryan) Carriel, Kylee Michelle (Austin) Bossart; four great-grandchildren, Bryce Joseph Cooper, Rylee Elizabeth Cooper, Maevyn Gayle Bossart, Tessa Anne Carriel; and several nephews.
Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.schildknechtfh.com.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, from 12 p.m.-2 p.m., at Schildknecht Funeral Home; 301 S. Lincoln Ave., O’Fallon, IL 62269. A private service will follow before burial at Crawford Cemetery in Crawford, TX.
Arrangements entrusted to Schildknecht Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Schildknecht Funeral Home
