Lois Mildred (Snyder) Strickland

Lois Mildred Snyder Strickland, age 97, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on December 5, 1928, to Kenneth Eugene Snyder and Elma Bernice Johnson Snyder, Lois lived a life devoted to helping others. From an early age, she showed a servant’s heart that would guide her throughout her life and career.

Lois pursued her education at Gardner-Webb University, Wake Forest University, and later earned her master’s degree from Appalachian State University. She dedicated many years to education, beginning as a kindergarten teacher before advancing to serve as assistant principal at Bethel Elementary School. Her impact on generations of students, families, and fellow educators will long be remembered.

Faith and service were central to Lois’s life. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, where she faithfully taught the Contemporary Ladies Class until her health declined and chose retirement in 2025. She also enjoyed participating in the Retired Teachers Association and the Red Hat Society.

In her quieter moments, Lois found joy in quilting and working jigsaw puzzles, hobbies that reflected both her patience and creativity.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Ben F. Strickland; her brother, Richard Snyder; and her granddaughter, Alyson Hennessee.

She is survived by her brother, Ray Snyder; cousin, Don Snyder; children, Angie Phillips, Cherri Crabtree, Daphne Byrd, and Elena Hackney; Ben Strickland and his wife Wynne who became Lois’ 5th daughter; grandchildren, Ben Strickland, Eric Strickland Juliana Noble, Grant Phillips, Leslie Byrd, Thomas Byrd, Holly Hackney, Matthew Hackney; and great-grandchildren,  Alicia Cornett, Tripp Noble, Kate Noble, Eleanor Noble, Brayden Byrd, and Kyomi Royal.

A service celebrating Lois’s life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at First Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m., with funeral services immediately following at 3:00 p.m. Graveside services will be private.

Lois’s kindness, wisdom, and servant’s heart touched countless lives. Her legacy of faith, education, and compassion will continue through all who knew and loved her.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made out to First Baptist Church of Boone at 375 W King St, Boone, NC 28607.

Online Condolences may be made at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com

Austin & Barnes Funeral Home is serving the Strickland family

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