Helen Strickland

Helen R. Strickland, age 63 of Erie, died Sunday May 4, 2014 at her residence following a short illness.

She was born in Erie, PA, a daughter of the late William and Velma “Jo” Barnett Esters.

Helen graduated from East High School, attended Mercyhurst College, ITT, and Erie Business Center receiving an Associate Degree.

She served in the U.S. Army Reserves and worked at GTes for 20+ years. Helen also worked at Lord Corporation as well as Mercyhurst College. She was a very active member of First Good Samaritan Church where she served as secretary, class leader, and on the finance committee.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a grandson Dalevon Young; three brothers: William Esters, Jr., Danny Esters and Donnell Esters.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband and best friend of 50+ years, Charles Strickland; son, Shawn Strickland, daughter, Carla Strickland, Goddaughters Rhonda Caldwell (Lonnie) of Virginia and Paula “Pizza” Slupski of Erie; Godsons: Evanuel Tate of Erie, Andre Tamplin of South Carolina, Mario Smith and Jason Rieder (Miranda) all of Erie; sisters: Willie Wilcox (Lemon) of Erie, Rev. Geraldine Hathaway (Melvin) of Albion, Betty Watson (George), Gracie Darby, and Deborah Roberson, all of Erie; brothers: James Knight of Erie and Dwight Esters (Robin) of Gastonia, North Carolina; sisters-in-law: Angela Esters and Willie Jean Esters, and grandchildren: Briana, Jovon, Marcel, Maurice, Jazmine and Demetrius; and additional sisters: Marcia Hughes, Monica Pullium and Brenda Tamplin.

Friends may call on Thursday from 5:00 pm till 8:00 p.m. at the First Good Samaritan Church, 3209 Pennsylvania Ave. Erie, Pa. 16504 and are invited to services there on Friday at 11:00 am with Reverend Fletcher Hudson officiating. Burial in Erie Cemetery. Arrangements under the care of Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.

Memorials may be made to the family c/o Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th St., Erie PA 16502.