Vivian Staples Strickland

Vivian S. Strickland, 88, of Abbeville, wife of the late David F. "Dick" Strickland, died peacefully on Friday, December 3, 2010 at her home. She was born in Abbeville to the late Henry E. and Vera Bailey Staples. Mrs. Strickland graduated from Abbeville High School and Asheville College. She received her Masters degree in Education from Clemson University. Mrs. Strickland served during War time in the Women's Army Corp at the Pentagon working as a cryptographer. She was a dedicated teacher and retired from the Abbeville County Public School System with 27 years of service. Mrs. Strickland was a member of Abbeville First Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School for 60 years and was a member of the Abbeville Pilot Club. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three brothers, H.E. Staples, Leon Staples and Jim Staples; and two sisters, Elizabeth Perry and Dot West. Surviving Mrs. Strickland is her only son, Ed Strickland; daughter-in-love, Fran Strickland; grandson, Jake Strickland all of Abbeville; sister, Gloria Critchett of Ohio; brother, Dink Staples of Georgia; and special caregiver, Ella Mae Dawson of Abbeville The family will receive friends from 1:30PM to 3:00PM on Monday, December 6, 2010 at the Abbeville First Baptist Church Christian Life Center. Funeral services will begin at 3:30PM in the sanctuary of the church with Rev. Reiny Koschel and Rev. Kile Antone officiating. Burial will follow in Long Cane Cemetery. The family is at the residence on Florence Street. Memorial contributions, in memory of Mrs. Strickland, may be sent to HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29649 or to Abbeville Meals on Wheels, 101 Center Street, Abbeville, SC 29620. A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com HARRIS FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES is assisting the Strickland family.