MRS. MYRTLE STRICKLAND LOCKLEAR

Mrs. Myrtle Strickland Locklear, 87 of 2860 Whistling Rufus Rd. Pembroke, NC was born on December 5, 1934. Mrs. Myrtle “Big Momma” departed her earthly home on Sunday, October 16, 2022 surrounded by her loving family after a brave battle with Alzheimer’s. She was the foster daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Ashford Locklear. She was preceded in death by her first husband: Mr. Arnold Strickland; sister: Ms. Shirley Moore; brother: Mr. James “Jigs” Locklear; foster siblings: Ms. Patty Brayboy, Ms. Carol Jean Young and Mr. Harry Locklear; her sons: Mr. Larry Delson and Mr. Roy Strickland.

The funeral will be 2 p.m. Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Green Pine Freewill Baptist Church with Preacher Clifford Locklear and Chaplin David Kelly officiating. Burial will follow in the St. Anna Church Cemetery.

Mrs. Myrtle was educated in the Robeson County Public Schools and also attended Robeson Technical College. She was employed as an EMT by Robeson County Ambulance Service. She was a dedicated member of Green Pine Freewill Baptist Church where she served as the director of the youth group. She also led the Lumbee Tribal Elder’s Group at the Philadelphus Lodge. Mrs. Myrtle’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the pride and joy of her life. The legacy of her kind spirit, her servant’s heart, and zest for life will live on through them. She was committed to family, making sure they all knew of her support to achieve their highest potential. Mrs. Myrtle was a person of faith and lived a life serving others.

She leaves to cherish her memories, her husband of 41 years: Mr. James Leonard Locklear; two daughters: Mrs. Anita S. Lowry (Terrill) and Mrs. Karen S. Jones (Terry); two step children: Ms. Gwen Locklear Almodovar and Mr. Robert Locklear (April); sixteen grandchildren; twenty-two great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.

The family will receive friends from 12-2 p.m. Thursday, October 20, 2022 at Green Pine Freewill Baptist Church.