AHOSKIE – Janet Marie Dilday Strickland, age 83 of Ahoskie, passed away on February 11, 2014 at the Sentara Williamsburg Regional Medical Center of Williamsburg, VA.

She was born on August 24, 1930 to the late David and the late Janie Cooke. She was an active member of the Liberty Free Will Baptist Church of Ahoskie until becoming disabled. She worked for many years at the Ahoskie Manufacturing Company of Ahoskie and later became co-owner and operated C.W. Dilday’s Grocery Store which was located in the Brantley’s Grove Community.

Other than her parents, Marie was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, Carroll W. Dilday; her second husband, Hylton “Buddy” Strickland; and her sister, Martha Hargrove.

Janet is survived by her daughters, Linda Gibbs and her husband Donald of Greenville, and Patricia Henderson and her husband Jerry of Williamsburg, VA; sister, Peggy Dunlow and her husband John of Williamson; and her brother, David Ray Cooke and his wife Virginia of Ahoskie. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Melissa Nassar and her husband Alex, Cameron Gibbs, and Jeremy Henderson. Marie is survived by a very special friend, George Twiddy.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, February 15, 2014 at the Chapel of Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service, Ahoskie, with the Pastor Paul Ange officiating. Following the services at Garrett-Sykes the family gathered with friends at the Liberty Free Will Baptist Church of Ahoskie.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Liberty Free Will Baptist Church, NC Hwy 561, Ahoskie, NC 27910, Eastern Pines Church of Christ, 3380 Portertown Road, Greenville, NC 27858, or a charity of your choice.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service of Ahoskie is handling the arrangements for the family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.