Etta Mae (Holland) Strickland

Etta Mae Strickland, 101, of East Moline and most recently of Rock Island, passed away peacefully at Heartland Healthcare Center in Moline, surrounded by family.

Her funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, East Moline.   Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. until service time at the church.  Mask are required.  Burial will be at the National Cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal.

Orr’s mortuary is assisting the family with arrangements.

Etta was born December 5, 1920 in East Carondelet, Illinois, the daughter of John and Matilda Holland. She was the sole survivor of 15 children.

The family moved to Rock Island at an early age. She received her education at Rock Island public schools, graduating from Rock Island High School.

She was employed at Servus Rubber until her marriage to Caldwell Strickland on July 28, 1948 to which eight children were born.

Etta was a loving mother and grandmother. She enjoyed playing bingo with her friends and relatives, and baking, for which she was well known for her delicious cakes, cookies and breads. She cherished spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Etta was the oldest and longest living member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in East Moline.

She leaves to cherish her memory children: Marlene Thomas of Snellville, GA; Brenda Strickland ­Monroe, Twyla Strickland and Robert Strickland all of Rock Island; Anita Strickland-Reams (Henry) of Austin, TX; Carol Strickland of Highland, IN; Kevin Strickland (Lupe) of Rio Rancho, NM; and Kent Strickland of East Moline; a special niece De'Borah Davis (Alfred); and special family friend Denise Hawkins both of East Moline; 17 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Caldwell Strickland, and son Benton Johnson; grandchildren John Monroe and Mark Monroe; and her very special friends, Annabelle Mayfield and Jannie Mae Simmons.

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