Carol Ann Stricklin

1944 - 2025

Carol Ann Barrett Stricklin, age 81, passed away on December 3, 2025, surrounded by loved ones in the comfort of her home. Carol was a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to all who met her.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Phlippians 4:7

Born on June 9, 1944, in Medina, Tennessee, Carol was the daughter of Ruth Ann Scroggins Barrett and Frank Tillmon Barrett. She was the middle of five siblings-Emma Jane Barrett Mayo; Robert Tillmon Barrett, MD (1942–1989); Paul Anthony Barrett (1946–2023); and Sue Frances Barrett Adams. The Barrett home was humble but resourceful, rooted in Christianity, education, and hard work. From an early age, Carol and her siblings worked alongside their parents in the cotton fields when they weren't in school. They made the most of what little they had, fostering a lifelong spirit of ingenuity and resilience.

Carol attended Medina School, where she excelled academically. She made the Junior High basketball team in seventh grade, beginning a lifelong love of sports and forming teammate friendships that endured throughout her life. She graduated as salutatorian of the Class of 1962 and went on to earn a degree in mathematics from Union University in 1966.

Her career in computer technology began in 1967, when she was recruited by the State of Tennessee to help develop the first ever database for welfare recipients. Carol went on to become an innovator in business software development and a trailblazer for women in the workplace. She was one of the first women in her department to wear a pantsuit to the office instead of a skirt-one of many times she acted first and asked permission later. She built a distinguished career in banking technology and formally retired from IBM as a printer specialist, although she continued consulting for many years thereafter.

Carol was married to James "Mac" Stricklin for many years, and she remained close with her extended family. She is survived by her two children, Cristie Ann Stricklin Pellegrin (Hank) and Brian Tillmon Stricklin (Rita); five grandchildren-Adrienne, Robert, Elaine, Lilya, and Casey; and two great-grandchildren. She was a beloved aunt and second mother to many nieces and nephews, some of whom preceded her in death. She is also survived by a dear family friend, Cindi Peckham, along with countless other friends and relatives whom she treasured.

Carol was a devoted mother to her children. She always found time to help with a school project, host a birthday party or sleepover, coach Brian's basketball team, sew a costume, or build a campfire.

Most recently a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Carol taught Sunday school and volunteered in many ministries, particularly in recreation programs. She was an accomplished historian, genealogist, and biographer, recently becoming accepted into the Daughters of the American Revolution. Carol was also well known as an ambassador for the Tennessee and National Senior Olympics, competing with enthusiasm from 1998 through 2025-even while stubbornly battling cancer. She was inducted into the 2018 Gibson County Sports Hall of Fame; the 2022 Tennessee Senior Olympics Hall of Fame; and was honored as 2025 Super Woman of the Year by the Memphis Parks and Athletics Department. Carol was an early Pickleball enthusiast; she launched programs at many recreational facilities, mastered the game, and coached her new recruits.

Carol will be remembered for her compassion, generosity, humanity, clever humor, and unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and His salvation. She leaves behind a legacy of resilience, love, and joyful determination-a life lived fully and shared freely.

Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master. Matthew 25:21