Annie Ruth Locklear Strickland, of Maxton, passed away on Friday, Oct. 30, 2009, at the age of 88.

The funeral service was held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Richard Boles Funeral Service Chapel officiated by Rev. Billy Clark. Burial followed the service in the Strickland Family Cemetery.

Mrs. Strickland was born Aug. 7, 1921, in Robeson County, the firstborn daughter of the late Ida Mae Locklear Chavis and the beloved wife of the late Stanton Strickland. Annie was a devoted homemaker, a precious mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her 13 children, Margreate Simpson, of Vass, Shelby Strickland, Virginia Bates, Stanton "June" Strickland, Jr., Louise Emanuel, Dana Strickland, Patricia Strickland, Charles Jeffrey Strickland, Brenda Butler and Mitchell Strickland, all of Maxton; Delois Clark, Victoria Jackson and Barbara Locklear, all of Laurinburg; 36 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren.

The family received friends from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 2, at Richard Boles Funeral Service.