Elizabeth "Lib" Lamm Strickland

Smithfield, NC: Mrs. Elizabeth “Lib” Lamm Strickland, age 81, of Quail Road passed away on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. Funeral Services will be 1:00 PM, Saturday, July 2, 2022 at the Rose & Graham Funeral Home Chapel in Four Oaks.  Rev. Brad Thompson will officiate. Burial will follow in Hills of the Neuse Memory Gardens in Smithfield. The family will receive friends from 11:30AM to 12:45PM at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Four Oaks prior to the service on Saturday and other times at the home.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Elizabeth “Lib” Strickland was many things, but above all else, she was first and foremost a Christian. “Just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions.” -Matthew 7:20.  Because of her belief and trust in the Lord, the Holy Spirit lived in her as she exhibited the Fruits of the Spirit. 

Love -  F. Elizabeth Lamm was born on June 15, 1941 in Washington, D.C. to Iva Lucille Watkins and Leonard Garland Lamm.  She knew and shared love at an early age, growing up in Johnston County, and enjoying a close bond with her three sisters, Joyce (Spence), Rosalie (McLeod), and Marie (Mobley).  Through the example set by her mother, Lib learned how to love others as God commanded.

Joy - Lib found and exhibited joy through her family.  She married Needham Edward Strickland on March 22, 1974.  Together they inspired happiness through the rearing of their five children: Dianne S. Holland (Buck), Randy McLeod (Patricia), Len McLeod (Mary-Margaret), Dennis W. McLeod, and N. Edward “Eddie” Strickland,II (Janie). 

Peace - Because Lib knew the Lord, she was able to bring peace to all she knew through friendship and love.  She was a faithful confidant and companion to many throughout the years including her nieces and nephews, and in-laws.  She shared a special kinship with her faithful friend, Martha Tart.

Patience - Though patience is one of the most challenging fruits for many, Lib mastered it through the years by serving the public through businesses owned and operated by the family including Smithfield Open Air Market and Magic Tunnel Carwash.

Kindness - Lib was thankful for the many blessings in her life and endeavored to show her gratitude by treating others with kindness and respect.  She served as a member of the Smithfield Lions Club for decades, whose mission is to serve and meet the humanitarian needs of the community.

Goodness - Acting out of true goodness, Lib sought the selfless benefit of others.  Her family and friends benefited regularly from the goodness of her home cooking.  She was happiest in the kitchen and there was always enough food for anyone who graced her doorstep.  

Faithfulness - Lib was a faithful Christian and member of the First Advent Christian Church of Four Oaks.  She trusted in the Lord and the blessed assurance that He has prepared a place for her.  

Gentleness - Lib’s gentleness was demonstrated through the loving ways she cared for the little children in her life.  Her lap was the best seat in the house and her arms were always full when babies were around.  Lib’s adored her twelve grandchildren: Shelly H. Allman (Ed), Jonathan Holland (Mary), Brooks McLeod (Mary-Elizabeth), Lauren M. Strickland (Jonathan), Jamie McLeod, Kelly McLeod, Garrison McLeod, Jordan McLeod, Joshua McLeod, Holden McLeod, Presley Strickland, and Laura Heath.  She also cherished her twelve great-grandchildren: Caroline A. Muricken (Mathews), Olivia Allman, Mary-Anna McLeod, Tommy McLeod, Henry Holland, Wesley Strickland, William Holland, Bennett Strickland, Emma Moffett, Casey Hansley, Heather Heath, and Jenna Massengill. 

Self-Control - Lib loved others faithfully, treated people fairly, and acted humbly as prescribed in Micah 6:8.  She submitted to God’s will and turned to Him in prayer during the struggles in life including her diagnosis with Parkinson’s Disease.  In addition to her parents and sisters, Lib is preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Ed Strickland, daughter-in-law, Elaine Hill McLeod, and granddaughter Jamie Lynn McLeod.

The family would like to thank the caregivers who comforted Lib in her final years: April Thompson, Laura Heath, and the Heartland Home Health & Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Smithfield Lions Club or a charity of choice. 

The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Four Oaks, NC.