Vivian T. Strickland

FUQUAY-VARINA - Vivian Tart Strickland, 83, died Thursday. Born in Sampson County, she was the daughter of the late Eric Franklin and Hilda Core Tart. Vivian was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother. She was very proud of her family and was excited to become “Mimi” to her two granddaughters. Vivian loved any opportunity to spend time with family and friends. She would spend hours baking and preparing for her company. Her specialties were her famous buttermilk pies and pound cakes. In addition to baking, Vivian enjoyed gardening and always had a variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers growing in the yard. She was a generous and humble woman who always put others first, even as her mind was slipping away. Mimi had a heart for helping others, which was manifested in the countless years she spent serving as a Sunday School teacher and director at Fellowship Baptist Church. She never took the simple things around her for granted, always giving thanks to the Lord for His provisions. She was a strong woman of faith who believed in the power of Jesus Christ. She not only taught, but showed her family His love in the selfless way she lived her life. Throughout everything, Mimi remained a faithful servant, dedicated to God and His children. We take comfort in knowing that she has gone to take her place in the Kingdom of Heaven. Funeral services will be 11:00 am Monday at Fellowship Baptist Church, Raleigh. Burial will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh. Survivors include her husband, Jay Strickland; daughter, Paula S. Baughn (David) of Fuquay-Varina; sons Michael W. Strickland (Patricia) of Wilmington and Richard L. Strickland of Charlotte; brother, Hartwell Tart of Brown Summitt; granddaughters, Kaleigh and Krista Baughn. The family will receive friends Monday from 10:00-11:00 am at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Fellowship Baptist Church, 5029 Old Stage Rd., Raleigh, NC 27603 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 3739 National Dr., Ste. 110, Raleigh, NC 27612 or to the charity of one’s choice.