Betty Jean Strickland
Obituary
Betty Jean Strickland also known as “B.J.” passed peacefully from this life September 8, 2017 at the age of 90.
B.J. was born in Roanoke, MO on May 11, 1927 to William Edward Higdon and Julia Blair Higdon. B.J. attended Central Methodist University before marrying Rogers N. Strickland and eventually settling in Tulsa, OK. She raised six children while working full time for Arthur Young as a bookkeeper and finishing her degree in Accounting from the University of Tulsa in 1974. She went on to become an accountant for First Stuart Corporation until retirement.
She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church for over sixty years. She was also a member and past president of the American Society of Women Accountants. Her favorite hobby was quilting and she made many beautiful quilts for her many loved ones. She also loved to travel all over the country with Elderhostel.
She showed her love for her family by always making sure everyone was cared for on birthdays and holidays. Every grandchild received deposits to their savings accounts for every occasion and they were encouraged to use it only for education.
B.J. leaves behind her sons; Rogers N. Strickland, Jr. and wife Peg, Jay Denny Strickland, Sr. and wife Ginny; her daughters, Carol Jo Strickland, Joy Ann Owens and husband Terry, and Elizabeth Herron; her grandchildren, Michael Ussery, Jay Denny Strickland, Jr., Shane Strickland and wife Cindy, Jennifer Strickland and husband Jesse, Nathan Strickland, Daniel Strickland, Cole Strickland, Ashley Barnes and husband Matthew, Alex Herron and wife Brittany, and Connor Strickland; her great grandchildren, Kara Rider, Whey Hem, Ida Elair, Oliver Heckman, Keylan Kaizlee, Kyson Barnes, Victoria Herron, Carson Herron and Emry Herron. B.J. was preceded in death by her brother, William Finis Higdon; her daughter, Sara Jane Strickland; and her granddaughter, Alsweeterzan “Ali” Strickland.
A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Christ United Methodist Church, 3515 S. Harvard Avenue, Tulsa, OK. In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made to either Christ United Methodist Church or the American Lung Association at www.lung.org
Events
Tributes & Memories
I am so sorry I am just finding about the death of BJ. We were swim classmates at the YWCA for years. A group of us enjoyed lunches together including one at her home before she moved. She even brought a couple of her quilts for us to admire. I always admired her and her getting things done attitude. I know your precious memories of her will keep her forever in your hearts.
Anne Hurd
Dear Rogers, Peg, and Family, Pam and I were very saddened to hear the news of the passing of your mother. May God grant you strength and peace during this time of loss and sorrow, lifting your family up in prayer. Our deepest sympathy and condolences to all of the Strickland Family.
Ed Fisher
I met Mrs. Strickland at the William Harvey grave marking in Armstrong, Missouri. I want to express my sincere condolences to her family and friends at her passing. I want also to make this expression on behalf of the M. Graham Clark Chapter of the Missouri Sons of the American Revolution. Harold Kerr, President M Graham Clark Chapter, Missouri SAR
Harold Kerr
I'm so sorry to hear of Betty Jean's passing. Of all mom's first cousins, she was one of my favorites! Even as a little kid, she'd take the time to talk to me and ask me questions about my life. As I grew older she was still that person that you could always talk to and she'd be interested in everything. I didn't get to see her as often as I would have liked, but I always got caught up on the first cousin news after one of their mini-reunions. Her spirit and kindness will be missed.
Kathryn Lynn (Chandler) McFarlen
So sorry that I will not be able to attend the services but will be with you in spirit. I have many fond memories of spending time with Aunt BJ and my cousins in Tulsa and Glasgow when I was growing up. You are all in my thoughts and prayers!
Cheryl Adams
B.J. was a legend in the Green Country Quilters Guild. She will be greatly missed. All of us felt privileged to see the many beautiful quilts she made throughout her lifetime, and it is comforting to think she left so many treasures behind for her family. Our condolences from everyone in the GCQG.
Linda Hertensteiner, Green Country Quilters Guild
To BJ's family: It breaks my heart to see that BJ is gone -- she was the first person to befriend me in Tulsa's quilting world, the first to invite and go with me to Quilters PowWow, the first to take quilting classes with me. She was so much fun and so supportive, our world is not nearly as bright without her. I remember talking to her, along with other friends one year at PowWow, about a few of her adventures in life. Someone said, "BJ, you sure are an interesting person!" And she said, "Yes, I am!" Then she laughed and laughed. I remember her talking about the little tree she planted many years ago in her backyard. She said one of her sons told her she wouldn't live long enough to see that tree get big, "but I sure did, didn't I!?" I will never forget that smile or those twinkling eyes or the many good times we enjoyed together!
Paula Klaassen
To the family of B. J. Strickland: I was so sorry to hear of the passing of B.J. She was a wonderful lady and great quilter. I knew her thru Green Country Quilters Guild and from a group at the Cotton Patch Quilt store. She was a very prolific quilter and always seemed to be working on a quilt for grandchild graduating from college or a new baby in the family. She was one of the last hand quilters around and could quilt really fast. We have missed her since she had to quit coming to the stitch group. Some of us, including the people who worked at the Cotton Patch are meeting with another group at the Methodist Church in Broken Arrow since the store closed. I know you are going to miss her as will everyone who knew her.
Peggy Selman
To the family of BJ, I am so very sorry for the loss of your mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I met BJ when I joined Green Country Quilters Guild 10 years ago. She was a wonderful quilter, and always kind and friendly. I saw BJ last year at University Village while visiting with my father-in-law, and we had a nice chat. She was a strong woman who I admired and I shall miss her. I am very sorry that I will be unable to attend her service, but please know that I will be there in thought and prayers. God Bless you and I shall also keep your family in my prayers. Karen Scharf
Karen Scharf
Dear Strickland family. I am so sorry to have read of the death of Betty Jean. Please accept my sincere condolences. I would like to share something that I have personally found to be comforting. It is found in the Bible at John 5:28, 29 and Revelation 21:4. These verses tell us that soon God is going to bring about a resurrection of our dear loved ones as well as do away with all causes we have for suffering, including sickness and death. Knowing this has always comforted me and it is my hope that these thoughts will comfort your family also.
Michael