Alice Snow Strickland

Alice Snow Strickland, 82, of Hendersonville passed away peacefully the morning of Oct. 29, 2013, at Sunnybrook Assisted Living, surrounded by the love of her entire family, as well as, the love of her "Sunnybrook family".

She was born on April 18, 1931, in Reidsville to the late John and Ruth Ferguson Snow. From a very young age she excelled both academically and athletically in school. During her senior year at Ruffin High School, Alice, who was nicknamed "Skeeter" by her friends, played on the State Championship winning Girl's Basketball Team. After graduating from the Baptist School of Nursing in Winston Salem, she began her nursing career at The Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem. One of her patient's included her future father- in -law, Mr. William H. Strickland, Sr.

In March of 1952, Alice met the love of her life, Dr. William H. Strickland, Jr., a medical student at Bowman Gray School of Medicine. They both knew that their lives would be forever joined as one when they took their marriage vows six months later on Sept. 29, 1952, in Winston Salem. After their marriage, being skilled in numerous fields of nursing she continued her career in private duty nursing and at Craig Air Force Base during her husband Bill's military service to our country. Alice and Dr. Strickland moved to Hendersonville in 1958.

She supported her husband of 60 years in his busy medical practice as they reared their four children. Alice was especially proud of the very close relationship with all of her grandchildren, who will treasure the happy memories they hold. Always a woman of strength and courage, Alice can be remembered for such events in the community like serving endless hours as a nurse during the aftermath of the 1967 Piedmont Airlines crash that claimed numerous lives as well as many Red Cross Blood Drives and other community events. She also became very active in numerous organizations including the Medical Wives Auxiliary Club, of which she was a past president of the local chapter, the Henderson County Junior League, the Hendersonville Country Club and the Hendersonville Cotillion Club. Members of the Cotillion will fondly remember the sparkle in her eyes as she and her husband handsomely made their way across the dance floor.

She is survived by her husband, William H. Strickland, MD; her four children, Donna Marie Strickland of Jupiter, Fla., William Keith Strickland and his wife, Marti, of Elon, Virginia Lynne Strickland of Hendersonville, and Dr. John Snow Strickland, DDS and his wife, Katie, of Hendersonville; seven grandchildren, Major William Phillip Pearsall, USAF, and his wife, Jennifer, Megan Marie Pearsall and her husband, Captain Anthony James Cannone, USAF, Meredith Brooks Strickland, Margaret Caroline Strickland, Kaitlyn Mabrey Capps, Royster Snow Strickland, Grace McKenzie Strickland; three great-grandchildren, Riley Jane Pearsall, Raegan Lee Pearsall, and Charles William Cannone.

At the family's request a private memorial service will be held.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to, Four Compassion for Life, 571 South Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731 and Women's Medical Auxiliary of Hendersonville, Box 2, 800 N. Justice Street Hendersonville, NC 28791

An online register book is available for family and friends by visiting www.thosshepherd.com.

Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors and Cremation Memorial Center is in charge of arrangements.