Melvene Thornton Strickland, of Fayetteville, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2024, at Valley Hospice House and Care Center, just a week after her 97th birthday.

Melvene was born November 22, 1927, in Harnett County, NC to the late John Henry Thornton and Susan McLamb Thornton.  She was a homemaker who loved to cook and keep a clean house.

She is predeceased by her husband of 73 years, Ervin Earl Strickland and son, Earl Gale Strickland.

Melvene is survived by her daughter, Barbara Strickland Raynor; grandchildren, Jennifer Strickland Peyton (Tyler), Sarah Raynor Freligh (Andy), and Frank Jefferson Raynor, III (Maria); 4 great grandchildren, Erica Freligh, Michael Freligh, Benjamin Raynor, and Lucas Raynor; and daughter-in-law, Diane Strickland Gibson.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at Lafayette Memorial Park at 11:00 am.  The family will receive friends at the cemetery after the service.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Bethesda Health Care and the Valley Hospice House and Care Center for their loving care and support.

Services provided by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301

Online condolences may be sent to www.jerniganwarren.com