Susan Bishop Strickland passed away Friday, September 27th, 2024 at her home as a result of a landslide during Hurricane Helene. Originally from Chattanooga, TN, she loved the entire Yancey County community as her home for the past 49 years. Through her varied work experience including time at the ADAPT program, Brad Ragan, WKYK-WTOE, Blue Ridge Medical offices, Bakersville Children’s Dental Clinic, and finally retiring from clerical work at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, Susan made many friends and touched many lives with her loving and bubbly personality.
Beyond work, Susan was well known for being Jubilee the Clown. Susan’s love for telling jokes and brightening someone’s day made being a clown a natural fit. Her ease in connecting with others, as well as her ease in giving love and joy to others, overflowed from Christ’s love and joy within her. Within the span of her 49 years in Yancey County, Susan actively participated in ministry and fellowship with Laurel Branch Baptist Church and, most recently, Higgins United Methodist Church. After her time of cheering and supporting her children in the sports endeavors, Susan enjoyed crafting and loved the ability to give little mementos to any and all with whom she crossed paths.
Susan is survived by her husband of 49 years, Ray Strickland; son, Aaron Strickland (Pam) of Burnsville; daughter, Ginnie Beverly (Matt) of Advance; and grandchildren: Austin, Devin, Lauren, Claire, Emma, Ahna, Adam and Noah. She is survived as well by many nieces and nephews with a special nephew, Danny, many in the community may know.
The family invites you to join them in celebrating her life well lived on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. in the Burnsville Town Center. The family will receive friends from 2 until 3 p.m. prior to the services at the Burnsville Town Center.
Donations may be made in her memory to Mount Jubilee Ministries at 227 W. Morehead St., Reidsville, NC 27320, or Laurel Branch Baptist Church at 12 Pensacola School Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
