Fern Naomi Strickland peacefully went home on August 26, 2026. She was born on December 6, 1938, in St. Charles, Missouri, to Christopher Brown and Grace Scott Brown. Fern was the fourth oldest of five children.

A Life Rooted in Family and Faith

Fern was preceded in death by her parents, Christopher Brown and Grace Scott Brown; her husband, Gerald Emery Strickland; her brother, Charles Lee Brown; and her sisters, Evelyn Loretta Burrell and Marian Alice Smith.

Fern completed her education through the St. Louis Public School System and graduated from Sumner High School on June 12, 1956.

Fern met and married Gerald Emery Strickland on January 4, 1958. Together, they shared 47 years of marriage until Gerald preceded her in death on August 7, 2005. To their union, two wonderful sons were born, Miles Corey and Wade Courtney. Although Fern and Gerald were blessed with two sons, their home was always filled with love, laughter, and family. Fern and Gerald opened their doors and hearts to nieces and nephews who needed a temporary place to stay, making each one feel welcomed, cared for, and at home.

A Faithful Servant

At an early age, Fern united with St. James AME Church, where her faith became a meaningful part of her life and service. Throughout the years, she gave generously of her time, talents, and loving spirit. She lifted her voice as a member of the St. James AME Choir, welcomed others with grace as part of Usher Board #1, was a trustee and served faithfully in the kitchen, finance, and repast ministries. Fern’s dedication reflected a servant’s heart, and her quiet commitment blessed her church family in many lasting ways.

Fern worked for the United States Postal Service as a Distribution and Window Clerk for 30 years before retiring on September 1, 1995.

Her Joys and Friendships

In earlier years, Fern enjoyed traveling, bowling, and spending time with others. She had a warm presence, a memorable personality, and a natural way of bringing people together.

A Circle of Love

Fern was blessed with many girlfriends—too many to name—and there always seemed to be a gathering, celebration, or special occasion to enjoy. She lived a rich and joyful life surrounded by many dear friends. She shared a special bond with Rosemary Booker, who preceded her in death, and a one-of-a-kind friendship with Anna Bell, with whom she shared nightly midnight phone calls.

Anyone who knew Fern knew that as long as she had her Pepsi, all was right with the world. In more recent years, she enjoyed watching The Golden Girls and Steve Harvey’s Family Feud.

A Loving Matriarch

Fern was the matriarch of her family. She loved and cared for many and was a motherly figure to most of her nieces and nephews. She remembered their birthdays and sent cards to brighten their special days until dementia no longer allowed her to keep track of those cherished moments.

Fern leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Miles (Denise) and Wade, both of St. Louis, Missouri; four grandchildren, Traci of St. Louis, Missouri, Courtnie of Atlanta, Georgia, Brandon (Alexis) of Dallas, Texas, and Joshua of St. Louis, Missouri; four great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Sydney, Ashtyn, and Amos Jr.; one brother, Christopher Brown Jr. of St. Louis, Missouri; a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, cousins; and many dear friends.