Obituary of Betty Jean Strickland

Betty Jean Strickland also known as “B.J.” passed peacefully from this life September 8, 2017 at the age of 90.

B.J. was born in Roanoke, MO on May 11, 1927 to William Edward Higdon and Julia Blair Higdon.  B.J. attended Central Methodist University before marrying Rogers N. Strickland and eventually settling in Tulsa, OK.  She raised six children while working full time for Arthur Young as a bookkeeper and finishing her degree in Accounting from the University of Tulsa in 1974.  She went on to become an accountant for First Stuart Corporation until retirement.

She was a member of Christ United Methodist Church for over sixty years.  She was also a member and past president of the American Society of Women Accountants.  Her favorite hobby was quilting and she made many beautiful quilts for her many loved ones.  She also loved to travel all over the country with Elderhostel.

She showed her love for her family by always making sure everyone was cared for on birthdays and holidays.  Every grandchild received deposits to their savings accounts for every occasion and they were encouraged to use it only for education.

B.J. leaves behind her sons; Rogers N. Strickland, Jr. and wife Peg, Jay Denny Strickland, Sr. and wife Ginny; her daughters, Carol Jo Strickland, Joy Ann Owens and husband Terry, and Elizabeth Herron; her grandchildren, Michael Ussery, Jay Denny Strickland, Jr., Shane Strickland and wife Cindy, Jennifer Strickland and husband Jesse, Nathan Strickland, Daniel Strickland, Cole Strickland, Ashley Barnes and husband Matthew, Alex Herron and wife Brittany, and Connor Strickland; her great grandchildren, Kara Rider, Whey Hem, Ida Elair, Oliver Heckman, Keylan Kaizlee, Kyson Barnes, Victoria Herron, Carson Herron and Emry Herron.  B.J. was preceded in death by her brother, William Finis Higdon; her daughter, Sara Jane Strickland; and her granddaughter, Alsweeterzan “Ali” Strickland.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Christ United Methodist Church, 3515 S. Harvard Avenue, Tulsa, OK.  In lieu of flowers the family suggest donations be made to either Christ United Methodist Church or the American Lung Association at www.lung.org

Ninde Funeral & Cremation, 918-742-5556, ninde.com