Cherry Strickland
November 19, 1938 — August 3, 2009
Lou was born in Stanton, TX on 19 Nov 1938 to Aubrey and Wilma Woolsey. She was raised in Big Spring, TX. She left home at the age of 16. She worked at Woolworths for a while then started working as a car hop at a local drive in. In 1958, she met a young Airman named Kenny that would change her world forever. After a couple of years of dating they married on 7 Nov 1960. A few years later, Kenny would take his new bride to Japan for their first overseas assignment. After they spent a year in Japan (1963-1964), they then had the misfortune of being assigned to Hawaii for 2 long years (1964-1966)! From 1966-1969, they were stationed at Edwards Air Force Base in California where their two lovely daughters, Tracy and Tresa, were born. Lou then went back to Big Spring, TX to live with her Aunt Olga while Kenny spent a tour in Vietnam (1969-1970). After Vietnam, Kenny then took Lou to Charleston AFB where their baby boy, Kevin, was born. Kenny retired from the Air Force in 1973 then moved back to his home in North Carolina. Lou was definitely a fish out of water when it came to North Carolina living. She was not a southern girl but that didnt bother her at all. She was never one to be concerned about what others thought so she made her own niche in her small part of the south. This is where she crafted her baking skills....and she started baking.and baking.and baking! She eventually mastered the southern cuisine that many, especially Kenny, would enjoy over the years. It was in North Carolina where Lou drew closer to her Lord like never before. She studied intensely and became very knowledgeable about the Word of God. God used her mightily as an instrument of service. She loved helping others in need and taught her children the joy of serving. Kenny had always promised Lou that he would take her back home to Texas. After retiring from his logging business in 1993, they moved to San Antonio to be closer to their grandchildren. They joined the Randolph AFB Chapel in 1994 and began serving the Randolph area. Lou joined the Protestant Women of the Chapel. She taught weekly bible study during the Wednesday lunch hour and also taught Sunday School on Sunday. Lou loved her churchmore pointedly her church family. It was her friends from the chapel that helped make her life the sweet expression that it was. She always had an encouraging word for those around her as well as an infectious smile. Upon being diagnosed with cancer in Jun 08, Lou strived to accept the will of God for her life. Her hearts desire was for others to see the glory of God through her trial. She understood that her momentary, light affliction was producing for her an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. II Cor 4:18 Visitation will be held Sunday, August 9, 2009 5:00 until 8:00 pm at Schertz Funeral Home, 2217 FM 3009, Schertz, Texas with a Prayer Service at 7:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, August 10, 2009 at 9:00 am at Randolph Air Force Base Chapel # 1, Chaplain Col. Arthur R. Homer U.S.A.F retired officiating. Interment immediately following at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, San Antonio, Texas.
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