Jane Marie Strickland

BARTOW - Jane Marie Strickland, 68, passed away on February 21, 2015, at Lakeland Regional Medical Center after an eight week battle with cancer. Jane was born August 17, 1946, in Bartow, Florida. She was the daughter of Nettie and William Bohde. Jane was a mother, educator and a teammate to her husband. She graduated from Bartow High School and Queens College in Charlotte, N.C. She taught English at Lakeland and George Jenkins High Schools. After retiring as the English Department Head from Jenkins High School, she tutored students and served as Intern Supervisor for University of South Florida education major students. Rarely a week would go by without former students thanking her for assisting them in obtaining higher academic achievements. Jane was a beautiful person inside and out, full of energy and commitment to her family. Husband, Gene, said that Jane was the most skillful multi-tasking person that he has ever met. She was the most wonderful wife a man could ever ask for. She was humble and not wanting recognition or credit. She was a child of God full of Christian faith. During her illness, she was overwhelmed by the number of ""well wishers"" from her Church Circle, First United Methodist Church, PEO, adult friends, childhood friends, neighbors, and relatives. She will be missed greatly by her family, her husband, Gene, dog (Buddy) and cat (Prissy). Jane is survived by her husband of 45 years, Gene Strickland and their three married children, Swane (Jennifer) Strickland, Michael (Bevin) Strickland, and Gina (Les) Harrell; and six grandchildren, Anna, Ethan, Parker, William, Jensen and Kiley. Also surviving is her brother, Fred (Sylvia) Bohde; sister in-law, Diane Strickland and six nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents. Family will receive friends during a visitation starting at 10AM, Wednesday, February 25, 2015, at the First United Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, Florida. A memorial service will be held at 11AM in the Church Sanctuary followed by a luncheon reception. In lieu of flowers, you may donate to the First Step Preschool c/o First Methodist Church, 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801. Service: 02/25/2015 First United Methodist Church 72 Morton Drive, Lakeland, FL 33801 First United Methodist Church Visitation: 02/25/2015 First United Methodist Church