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Marilyn Strickland Ward, 85, lifelong resident of Walnut Hill, Fla., passed away on Oct. 4, 2024.

She was born on July 17, 1939 to Elliott and Gladys Wiggins Strickland.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Elliott and Gladys Wiggins Strickland; her husband, Royce Ward; and two of her siblings, Don Strickland and Mary Lou Faircloth Wiggins.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Brett (Susan) Ward of Walnut Hill, Horace (Lisa) Ward of Birmingham, Scott (Beth) Ward of Spring Hill, Fla. and Luanne Henderson of Walnut Hill; her sisters, Louise Bryan of Pensacola, Fla. and Sharee Godwin of Spanish Fort; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren, along with extended family and friends.

Funeral services were held on Oct. 6, 2024 at Walnut Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Ted Bridges and the Rev. James Boyd officiating. Interment followed in Walnut Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

Active pallbearers were Heath Ward, Eric Ward, Zach Ward, Jake Ward, Benjamin Ward and Russ Ward.

Honorary pallbearers were Kevin Faircloth, Lonnie Wilson, Bill Strickland, Gary Bryan, Chuck Bryan, Rob Faircloth, Jerry Poulsen, Roy Glen Ward, Harry Ward, Keith Cauley and Kiley Godwin.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Crafty Ladies of Walnut Hill Baptist Church.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.