Gwendolyn Odom Strickland

CLAXTON: Gwendolyn G. Odom Strickland, 93, born January 24, 1920, went to her heavenly home on January 23, 2013.
The Evans County native resided in Evans County all of her life. She was a 1937 graduate of Claxton High School and then entered Draughon’s Business College, where she received a diploma in business. After graduation she worked many jobs including Carson & Carson Accounting Firm, Seaboard Railway’s District Engineers, Atchinson-Topeka Sante Fe Railway, University Extension Service, Dixon Motor Co., and Tippins Bank and Trust.
She was elected to the office of Evans County Tax Commissioner in 1969 and served until she retired in February 2000. She was a woman of many accomplishments and tributes, such as, in 1979 she was recognized as an employer for V.O.T. students in the school program, in 1980 she won the City and County Civic Award for Exemplary Role in Community Life and in 1984 she won the Woman of Achievement Award, which not only did she achieved from her work ethics but also from every step of her life, as she was known for her compassionate spirit towards helping any person in sickness, trouble or any other need.
She had a long, exciting life, from suckering tobacco to collecting taxes. Her love for her Lord and Savior was something she lived by and was shown by her devotion to Bull Creek Baptist Church, where she served in many capacities but the longest office she held was as Secretary/Treasurer. She was a servant leader in her home, community and church. When electric washing machines were rare, she would help to wash folks clothes and when there was a tragedy, she would be one of the first people there with a baked ham, red velvet cake or one of Mrs. Hilda Anderson’s caramel cakes. The Holy Spirit worked through her, even though her life was not easy, it was filled with love, peace, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Mrs. Strickland was preceded in death by her parents, Algerine and Ola Griner, her husband of 56 years, Herman Odom, and her only son, Joseph Algerine Odom.
SURVIVORS: her husband, Aubrey Strickland of Claxton; Mike and Deborah Wise of Claxton, who were like her children; she was Nanny to their children, Aaron (Jamie) and Asha Wise; her “babies” were James, Will and J.R. Wise; and her special care givers, Mae and Bill Harper of Claxton.
VISITATION: Friday, January 25, 2013, from 5-7:00 p.m., at J. Mellie NeSmith Funeral Home.
FUNERAL: Saturday, January 26, 2013, 11:00 a.m., at Bull Creek Baptist Church with burial in the church cemetery following.
REMEMBRANCES: Bull Creek Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 1601 Mittie Strickland Rd., Claxton, GA., 30417; or any charity of choice.