Dorothy Laverne Strickland

Dorothy Strickland, known as "Dot", was born on January 20, 1925, in Shawnee, Oklahoma. She left this world for her Heavenly home on September 22, 2022. Her funeral is at 10:00 am Thursday, September 29, 2022, at Walker Funeral Chapel, Shawnee, OK 74804, followed by a private family internment at Resthaven Cemetery, East Highland, Shawnee, OK. Her loving parents were Allie Beatrice Gregson Hitt and Clyde Bert Hitt. Her big brother was Clyde Bert Hitt, Jr. known as “CB.” Dot was a member of the Shawnee High School Marching Band and graduated from Shawnee High School in 1943. She worked for Douglas Aircraft during the war years and the Haliburton Company. She got a job in Shawnee then, and worked for the Morris Plan Finance Company, Shawnee, OK., as the Head Cashier and Bookkeeper. She married J.W. “Chub” Strickland, October 20, 1946, at her parent’s home with family and friends in attendance. They enjoyed life together, and lovingly raised two daughters, Linda Paulette and Deborah Sue. Dot and Chub provided a loving Christian home for their girls and were always there for them, no matter the time of day or the need. Chub continued his tennis hobby, and in her 50’s, Dot found that she had some hobbies to pursue of her own and she began a life career in Genealogy! Dot worked for 60+ years on both sides of the family’s genealogy records, and along the way, she taught many people how to find their ancestors and even did some personal charts for friends, too. Chub and Dot were active in the Central Church of Christ, 10th and Bell, Shawnee and enjoyed monthly visitation meetings as Dot showed off her outstanding cooking skills. All enjoyed Dot's wonderful Brisket and Ribs, which was the best! In addition to her cooking, Dot took up art and loved it! She painted for years, and even has five pictures hanging on the walls of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation Museum. Scattered through this period, she became very good in hand crafts. Her art skills and her love for Native American jewelry drew her into beadwork and leather crafts. She combined these God given gifts and over the years enabled her beautiful crafts to rival any professionals. Dot and Chub’s final working years were together. Chub’s business transferred from Insurance and Real Estate to Real Estate Appraising. He worked the appraisals and Dot typed and prepared them for the banks or mortgage companies. They were successful and worked hard for 11 years, and then it was time to retire. Chub stayed with his tennis and Dot to her hobbies. They loved each other and were happy. They loved the Lord, and now, they are together again! Those left to cherish her memory are: Daughters: Linda Paulette Underwood, Midwest City, OK; Deborah Sue Penson-Payne, (Patrick) Shawnee, OK. Grandchildren: Todd W. Underwood (Stacey), North Newton, KS; Deidre A. Buettner (Larry), Oklahoma City; Angela B. Penman (Erik); Midwest City, Ok., and Bryan Scott Penson, Shawnee, OK; Tolly K Payne (Sheril), Shawnee, OK. Great Grands: Bryson Penson, Shawnee; Rylee Dell Penson, Shawnee; Cassidy Johnson, Colton Johnson, Midwest City, OK.; Catie Jones, Midwest City, OK.; Fr. Brian E. Buettner, Norman, OK.; Lacey Buettner, Oklahoma City, Landon Buettner (Amber) Yukon, OK.; Tyler Underwood (Kallie) Orlando, FL; Troy Underwood, (Kaelynn), North Newton, KS., Lauren Simpson, (Robert) Shawnee, OK., Maggie Engels (James), Dallas, TX; Great-Great Grands: Rory, Becket, Elijah, Emmy, Ella, Amelia, Bentley, Baylor and Blair. Her special nephews: Dorothy has many cousins, nieces, and nephews, in hers and Chub’s family. She loved all her relatives and had a special relationship with a couple of nephews than some, and they lived in and close to Shawnee. Her very special bond was with her brother’s son, Ron Hitt (Brenda) Seminole, OK; and Chub’s cousin’s son, Andrew Freeman, (Kim) Shawnee. There are so many wonderful cousins, nieces, and nephews that she loved and enjoyed so much. A wonderful family that she was so proud to be a part of. Special Friends She has had so many friends in her lifetime, including church family and classmates that she kept in touch with over the years. Now, many have proceeded her in death, but to those that remain, she would want to tell you “She Loved You, and thank you for being her friend.” Special Thanks from Dot’s Family Debbie and Linda want to give a special thanks to Dot’s P.A. MAGGIE TROXELL, who, for many years at Citizen Potawatomi Nation, took wonderful care of Dot and went out of her way to make sure she stayed as healthy as possible. A very special “THANK YOU” to ALL the employees and staff members at Colonial Estates Nursing Center, especially (Dr. Stevens, and Karen, April, Dawn; Pava; Barbara; Sheila; Brian and Megan; and so many of the CNA’s who played an integral part of her care over the years, and no-doubt contributed to her living to the young age of 97. Also, Angelic/Choice Hospice staff offering loving compassion, and care. “A LOVING THANK YOU” to Jackie; Jessica; Lisa; Elaine; Carole; Connie, for being there for mom and us, with sweet caring smiles and hugs. A loving and amazing group of women! “May each and every one of you receive many stars in your crowns for your never-ending patience, compassion and loving care shown, not just to Dot, but every resident and patient you care for.”