Eileen Root Strickland, 98, died peacefully on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at the Beehive Assisted Living Facility in Petal with her loving family by her side.

Visitation will be held on Monday, November 6, 2023, from 12:00PM until 2:00PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel at 4593 Indian Springs Road, Laurel, MS with services to follow. Burial will follow in Lake Park Cemetery in Laurel, Mississippi. Dr. Richard Clark and Brian Reed will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. 601-649-3342.

Eileen was born January 28, 1925, in London, England the daughter of Reginald and Laura Root. She was educated in London, England. As a young woman in London, she loved ice skating and spent a lot of time at the rink in Richmond Upon the Thames. It was shortly thereafter that she met a handsome American soldier that swept her off her feet.

In 1946 as a young WWII bride with a small daughter, she sailed from Southampton, England to New York City. From there she traveled by train to Ellisville, MS where she was met by her beloved soldier. A whole new world was waiting for her and she never looked back.

She worked as a secretary for many years and devoted her life to making a warm, loving home for her husband and two children. After retiring from Ellisville State School, she enjoyed working in her yard and crocheting white snowflakes for family and special people in her life. It was an honor to be on her snowflake list. She doted on her grandchildren and considered it her responsibility to spoil them, which she did with great pride.

She attended Indian Springs Baptist Church for many years and enjoyed helping serve the meals on Wednesday nights. Her specialty was serving sweet tea and it was done perfectly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Reginald and Laura Lowe Root, her brother, Neville Root, her sister, Beryl Marcham, her husband, James Ray Strickland, her son-in-law James Reed, and her great granddaughter Adelynn Nicole Reed.

She is survived by her daughter, Glynda Reed Robertson (Max); son, Jim Strickland (Judy); grandchildren, Dr. Steven Reed (Kendra), Brian Reed (Emily), Dr. Michael Reed, Laura Langston (Chris), Lyndsay Hofstetter (Jeff), Kyle Headrick (Missy), Haley Rayner (Aaron); and a host of great grandchildren. She is also survived by loving family members Lisa Reed and Andrea Reed.

Pallbearers will be Chris Langston, Jeff Hofstetter, Kyle Headrick, Dr. Steven Reed, Dr. Michael Reed, and Calder Reed.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Beehive Assisted Living for their excellent care, concern and compassion during her later years as a resident. A very special thank you also to Makayla Green and St. Joseph Hospice for their tender care and compassion.

In lieu of memorials, donations may be made to the Animal Rescue League in Laurel, MS.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapellaurel.com.