Mary Prestridge Strickland

Mary Prestridge Strickland, born January 31, 1943, passed away on September 2, 2026 at the age of 83, leaving behind a family and community who were deeply blessed by her love, kindness, and caring spirit.

Mary grew up in Talladega, Alabama, where she met Douglas T. Strickland, the man who would become her husband and partner in life. Mary and Doug shared 61 years of marriage and spent most of those years making their home in Pinson, Alabama. Together they built a life rooted in family, faith, and a love that carried them through more than six decades together.

For 56 years, Mary and Doug were part of the First Baptist Church family. Mary served as the church secretary for over 20 years, but the role she played in the lives of those around her went far beyond her job title. Many affectionately knew her as “Momma Mary.” She had a caring heart and a wonderful ability to listen, making people feel welcomed, heard, and cared for.

Above all else, Mary was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. Her family was at the center of her life, and some of her happiest times were simply those spent with her children and grandchildren. She loved them deeply and found great joy in watching her family grow through the years.

Mary also found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. Her back porch was her favorite place, where she loved to sit and watch the hummingbirds come and go. It was a place of comfort and contentment that those closest to her will always associate with her.

And for her grandchildren, memories of their grandmother will undoubtedly include her homemade peach jam. It was more than something she made, it was one of those small expressions of love that becomes part of a family’s story. Her grandchildren enjoyed every jar, knowing it had been made by Nana and, as with so many things Mary did for her family, filled with her love.

Mary is survived by her husband of 61 years, Douglas T. Strickland; her son, Ryan Strickland and his wife, Jennifer Strickland; and her daughter, Lori Strickland Waters and her husband, Chad Sperry.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Nichole Strickland; Melissa Seale and her husband, Luke; Mitchell Waters; Ben Waters; Kaleb Sperry and his wife, Hollee; and Luke Sperry. She also had the joy of becoming a great-grandmother to Sadie Jane Seale, daughter of Melissa and Luke Seale.

Mary is also survived by her sister, Jo Fulbright and her husband, Don. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert L. Prestridge and Verna Mae Prestridge.

Mary leaves behind much more than names and dates. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and devotion to family. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held close in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.