Connie DeLoach Strickland

CLAXTON: Connie Deloach Strickland, “Mama Connie”, age 64, passed away Friday, May 10th, 2024 at home. She was born on June 5, 1959 in Claxton, GA, and grew up in Isle of Palms, SC. Her father, Jack Deloach, was in the Navy, and her family relocated some years later to Savannah, GA. She and her sister, Donna moved to Daisy, GA after the loss of their father in 1972. Connie and her sister moved in with their grandparents, Charlie and Bessie Tippins, where they attended school in Claxton. Connie grew up on the farm, worked in the tobacco fields and drove the tractor. She attended Antioch Baptist Church. She was a 1978 graduate of Claxton High School. Connie married Francis Turner in 1976. They had two children, Shane and Angela. Connie later attended Swainsboro Technical College and received a degree in Medical Assisting. She worked for Dr. David Scarboro over twenty years. Connie had a natural gift of caring for others, showing a genuine compassion for all of her patients. She was a true caregiver, and always put the needs of others ahead of her own. Connie was also a wonderful cook and baker. In 1999, she married Chris Strickland. Connie and Chris shared a love for pets and raised border collies. They loved taking their dog, Sam, for afternoon rides. They also enjoyed visiting the coast and the beach. They attended Daisy Church. Connie worked for Dr. Jesse Scott and later went to work at Women’s PDC in Claxton. She may be best remembered by the students and staff at Claxton Middle/ High School and Second Chance Academy. She had a big heart and loved every student she met. She worked in the office and showed a true, genuine interest in helping everyone. A faithful, family-oriented woman, Connie deeply cared for all of her loved ones through selfless actions. She loved working in her yard tending to her flowers. She loved her family with all of her heart. She fought a short battle with ALS and was a true warrior through it all. She was fortunate enough to have her loved ones by her side as caregivers. This is a true reflection of the wonderful mother she was. She will always be remembered as “Mama Connie”, for her angelic gift of mothering all of those she knew. Her love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ was evident in her daily life.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jack Deloach and Charlene Tippins Deloach Conley, bonus dad Frankie Conley; special grandparents Charlie and Bessie Tippins; an aunt, Wilma Tippins Celeste; and uncles, Gary Tippins and Michael Tippins.

SURVIVORS: Connie is survived by her husband of 25 years, Chris Strickland; her children, Shane Turner, Angela Fallin (Turner) and Jarrod (Anna) Strickland; grandsons Jack Fallin and C.J. Strickland; granddaughter, Connor Davis (Stephen) Todd, all of Claxton; a sister, Donna (Charles) Cannon of Portal, GA; nieces Anna Jones (Danny Thompson) of Cobbtown and Heather Bennett of Pulaski, GA; special cousins and a wonderful caregiver, Mrs. Beverly Hines of Hagan.

The family would like to give special thanks to Gentiva Hospice of Statesboro for their compassionate care.


VISITATION: Tuesday, May 14, 2024, 5:00-7:00 PM at Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.

FUNERAL: Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Daisy Methodist Church.

BURIAL: Brewton Cemetery

PALLBEARERS: Anthony Tippins, Mark Jones, Patrick Jones, Tommy Sapp, Shawn Lands and Mark Rogerson.

REMEMBRANCE: Brewton Cemetery, P.O. Box 978, Claxton, Ga. 30417; Mayo Clinic Florida, Department of Neurology, 4500 San Pablo Road South Jacksonville, Fl. 32224, or online at https://www.als.org/support/certified-centers-clinics/mayo-clinic-florida


Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home in charge of arrangements
“Our Family Serving Your Family”
Since 1917
(912) 739-3338
www.nesmithfuneralhome.com