Sherry Lee Strickland was born on June 23, 1965, in Thomasville, Georgia. She was reunited in heaven with her mother, Deloris Scheu, father, Jimmy Odom, and sister, Faye Hale on December 17, 2025, at the age of 60. Since Sherry entered this world, she lived a life that was unapologetically hers. She possessed a heart that was unmatched to the mortal man. Her heart led to her becoming the surrogate mother to the many lost souls she encountered in her life. Taking on this role could never overshadow her best role, as a mother to her two daughters, Sharon Washington (Vincent Butler) and Audrey Strickland (Tyree Dortly.) Sherry dedicated her life to her family, raising Sharon and Audrey and then her two granddaughters, Lexi Strickland and Kadecia Washington.

Just as Sherry loved others, she was loved just as much. Her special better half, Joe Taylor and their fluffy pup, Lil Man were an example of this. Joe and Lil Man loved Sherry as much as she loved them. Sherry and her sister, Deb Ketcham (Art Ketcham) enjoyed spending time on the back porch of Sherry's home, laughing and sharing memories. Sherry also had a small but mighty pack of extended family that loved their time with her.

Sherry was a smart woman, who earned a Doctorate in Business in 2020. She devoted her life to working in the food service industry, where she excelled to the position of General Manager at several businesses in Lake City. In these roles, she was able to impact many in the Columbia County area. Sherry gave chances to those that others had given up on and provided people with a feeling of hope. Sherry leaves behind so many to miss her but you know she'd just smile, laugh, and tell everyone that she's good.

A funeral service for Mrs. Strickland will be conducted on Friday, December 26, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. in the Gateway-Forest Lawn Memorial Chapel with Pastor Joann Gunn officiating. Interment will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation beginning at 1:00 P.M. prior to the service at the funeral home.