Joyce Edena Bray Strickland

Joyce Edena Bray Strickland, age 73, of Fort Pierce, Florida, a giving and courageous woman known for her friendly demeanor and unwavering faith, passed away on January 12, 2026, surrounded by family and friends, following a brave battle with cancer. She was born on November 7, 1952, in Middlesboro, Kentucky. She was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar Bray and Beulah Pillion Bray, and her sister, Charlotte Bray. Joyce graduated from Thomas Walker High School in 1971. In 1972, she enrolled at Southeastern Bible College, graduating in 1975. She dedicated 35 years of service as a Special Education teacher, where her strong work ethic and warm personality made her a beloved colleague and mentor. Joyce and her husband, Ken, faithfully served in ministry at several Assembly of God churches throughout her lifetime. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, and she found great joy in serving the Lord—bearing fruit through acts of service, including feeding the needy and the homeless. Joyce was a beacon of light in her community, always ready to lend a helping hand and share a kind word. Above all, Joyce had a deep love for her family. She cherished moments of laughter, bonding, and creating memories that will forever be held dear by those who loved her. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 52 years, Kenneth Omer Strickland; her two children of Memphis, Tennessee, Kenneth “Scott” Strickland and Magevney Strickland; grandchildren Kirsten, Audrey, Melinda Nadal (husband Jayson), Hannah Strickland, and Gavin Polston; her siblings Levear Andrews (husband Harold) of Fort Pierce, Florida, Pamela Ray (husband Terry) of Port St. Lucie, Florida, David Bray (wife Vicky) of Ewing, Virginia, Mary Smith (husband Chester) of Ewing, Virginia, Martha Roop (husband Carl) of Birmingham, Alabama, and Rosetta Glass (husband Jonathan) of Rose Hill, Virginia. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, extended family, and friends who will miss her greatly. As we remember Joyce, the words of Helen Keller come to mind: “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched—they must be felt with the heart.” Joyce lived her life reflecting this truth, touching the hearts of all who knew her with her love, kindness, and faith. Her legacy of service and devotion will continue to live on in the lives she impacted. Joyce Edena Bray Strickland was a woman of strength, a beacon of hope, and a testament to the power of faith and love. Services will be held at Ewing Assembly of God (listed on Google Maps as Smith Chapel), officiated by Dr. James Railey, on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., followed by the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Jones Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joyce’s honor to Hillcrest Assembly of God Children’s Home in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be Jesse Bray, Randall Marcum, Matthew Glass, Kevin Taulbee, Benjamin Taulbee, and Parker Smith. An online registry will be available for the family at www.holdingfuneralhome.com Holding Funeral Home of Rose Hill is honored to serve the family.

Joyce Edena Bray Strickland

November 7, 1952 - January 12, 2026

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