Jean Strickland

Jean Strickland passed away peacefully on November 27, 2025.

Jean was born on September 22, 1938, in Wooster, Arkansas, to H.L. and Opal Richardson. The fourth of seven children, she was born a twin of the late Jettalee “Jo” Rowe. A 1957 graduate of Willie K. Hocker High School in Wabbaseka, AR, where Jean shined as a standout basketball player. She and her twin sister were fondly known as “The Twin Towers” by the local newspaper. After High School she attended junior college in Little Rock, Arkansas.

In 1959, Jean married the love of her life, Paul Strickland, a Sergeant in the United States Air Force stationed at Little Rock Air Force Base. Together, they built their family living across the country and abroad, extending from Arkansas, to Tennessee, California, Goose Bay Labrador in Canada, the Philippines, and Fort Worth, Texas, before returning to North Little Rock, Arkansas. Jean dedicated many years of service to the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service in Little Rock, where she worked until her retirement in 1996.

After retiring, Jean and her husband Paul made their home in Greers Ferry, Arkansas, later splitting her time between Greers Ferry and Beebe. She was a devoted member of Westside Baptist Church in Greers Ferry, where she sang in the choir and spent many summers teaching Vacation Bible School. Jean found joy in gardening, traveling, and—above all—spending time with her family.

Jean was a devoted wife to Paul, her husband of 66 years; a loving mother to her three sons; and an adoring grandmother to her five grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her parents, H.L. and Opal Richardson; her sisters Mary Pledger, Melba Brown, Lois Smith, Jettalee “Jo” Rowe; and her brother Don Richardson.

Jean is survived by her husband, Paul Strickland; her sister Paula Hosto of Ulm, AR; her sons Michael Strickland of Ward, AR, Rick Strickland of Fort Worth, TX, Jeff Strickland of Liberty Hill, TX; her grandchildren Jonathan Strickland of Beebe, AR, Nick Strickland of Fort Worth, TX, Madison Strickland of Conway, AR, and Haley Strickland and Carter Strickland of Liberty Hill, TX; and daughters-in-law Chrissa Strickland of Fort Worth, TX and Elizabeth Strickland of Liberty Hill, TX.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday December 3, 2025, from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m. with funeral service at 10:00 a.m. at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe, AR 72012. There will be a private family graveside service at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery held at a later date. Online guest book at www.smithfamilycares.com.