Stephens, Mrs. Ruth Strickland, a resident of Valley, AL, died Monday, March 30, 2020 at East Alabama Medical Center, Opelika, AL.

Graveside Services on April 4, 2020 will be officiated by Rev. Dr. George C. McCulloh. Davis Memorial Mortuary of Valley directing. There will be no public viewing.

A Time to Be Born: Ruth Strickland was born November 3, 1949 to the late John and EarlineFrazier Strickland, Sr. After her mother’s death, she was reared by her stepmother, Smithie Tolen Strickland.

A Time to Serve: At an early age, Ruth joined St. Paul A.M. E. Church in Opelika, Alabama. She later became a member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Valley, Alabama. As an active member of her church, she served as President of the Deacon Wives Ministry. She was Past President of the Auburn District Deacon Wives, and afterwards served as the Counselor.

A Time to Be Educated: She was a graduate of Drake High School in Auburn, Alabama, Class of 1967. She furthered her education by attending Alabama State University, Montgomery, Alabama graduating in 1971 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Mrs. Stephens retired as a teacher and later from Spectrum Stores.

A Time to Love: Ruth married Marcus Leroy Stephens on August 23, 1970 and to this union they welcomed two daughters.

A Time to Die: On Monday, March 30, 2020 Ruth Strickland Stephens departed this life at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama. She was welcomed home by her parents and five brothers.

A Time to Mourn: She leaves to cherish wonderful memories: her devoted husband, Marcus Leroy Stephens, Valley, AL; two daughters, Tammy (Delton) Maddox, LaGrange, GA and Stephanie Stephens, Valley, AL; the apple of her eyes—her grandson, Xavier Maddox, LaGrange, GA; three bonus daughters she reared as her own, Connie Stephens, Toyar Holstick and Brittany Stephens all of Valley, AL; bonus grandsons, Ryan Zachery and Kentravious Holstick both of Valley, AL and Titus Barker, LaFayette, AL; two siblings, David Strickland, Amityville, NY and Katie Burton, Columbus, GA; four brothers-in-law, Lonny Stephens, Nathaniel (Elaine) Stephens, Jessie L. (Sharon) Stephens and Sylvester (Melanie) Stephens all of Valley, AL; four sisters-in-law, Mary Faye Jessie, Newnan, GA, Margie Madden, Mattie Ree Hubbard and Phyllis Stephens all of Valley, AL; a special daughter, Heather Matthews; and, a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Due to this unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, in compliance with the State Health Order, funerals and visitation services are limited to 10 in-person gatherings.

The Family extends heartfelt thanks to their many family members and friends for the many acts of kindness and condolences shown during their time of bereavement.