In Memory
NORSIS (TOWNSEND) STRICKLEN
March 6, 1925 - July 12, 2010
SOUTH BEND - Norsis Stricklen, 85, passed away after a short illness at 7:30 a.m. on Monday, July 12th, in her home. She was born March 6, 1925, in South Bend, to the late George B. Townsend and Martha (Doris) Townsend. On January 2, 1943, Norsis was united in holy matrimony to Luthaniel Stricklen, who preceded her in death in 2004.
She attended Washington High School after which she was employed by the Studebaker Corporation until their closure in 1964. Norsis retired from the AM General Corporation in Mishawaka after 15 years of service.
She was a member of Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church for over 50 years, where she served as a member of the Gospel Chorus Choir and was a charter member of the Echos of Glory Choir. She was also a member of Missionary Society Circle #1, and a dedicated student of Sunday School Adult Class #8. Norsis was a lover of the outdoors and nature. She enjoyed working in her flower and vegetable gardens. The landscaping of her yard was always beautiful, being featured on occasion in the South Bend Tribune. Norsis was known best for her gift of hospitality and her love for entertaining, where family and friends often gathered at her home for great meals and fellowship. Some of her other hobbies include fishing, sewing, and shopping.
Norsis was a loving mother and leaves to cherish her memory one son, Nathaniel "Mickey" (Tomy) Stricklen of Roswell, Georgia; two brothers, Benjamin (Annetta) Townsend and Allen Townsend of South Bend; three sisters, Mella Townsend and Elizabeth Stone of South Bend, and Georgia (Albert) Bradshaw of Gary. She also leaves to cherish her memory three grandsons, Reginald Castlemen (Senel) of Germany, Jonathan Stricklen of Georgia, Samuel Stricklen of New York; one granddaughter, Natalie Stricklen of Georgia; a great-grandson, Jonathan Stricklen of Georgia; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Preceding her in death were three brothers, Arthur Townsend, Ernest Townsend and Calvin Townsend; and six sisters, Ella Pope, Maude Hall, Elva Williams, Bernice Flint, Geraldine Blake and Gloria Burton.
Funeral services for Norsis Stricklen will be held at noon on Friday, July 16th, in Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 101 N. Adams, St., South Bend, with visitation one hour prior to the services. The Clark-O-Neal Funeral Home has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. To share memories, condolences, and to sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.clarkoneal.com.
Published by South Bend Tribune on Jul. 15, 2010.
05/22/2023 EJS
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