Myra Ettrice (Bunce) Strickland

Mrs. Myra Ettrice Bunce Strickland, 91, went home to be with the Lord onThursday, May 20, 2021, in her home, surrounded by family and friends. She was born on May 24, 1929, in Cumberland County, daughter of Molcie and Walter Bunce. Her homeplace was in the Bethany Community. She had seven sisters and seven brothers. She graduated from South River High School in 1947.

She was married to Demory Braxton Strickland Sr., on July 4, 1950, and was a devoted housewife for 58 years, until Demory’s death in 2008. They were part of Bunce Brothers Farms in Stedman. She was an active member of the community in various roles. She was a 4-H Leader and was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels for about eight years; often making small flower bouquets  for the elderly.

Ettrice made the most important decision one can  make by accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior at the age of thirteen. By accepting the Lord at a young age, her life was a lifelong testimony of God’s goodness and grace. Sharing her Christian faith with others in deed and word, she had a profound influence on many lives. The Holy Bible was a lamp unto her feet  and a light unto her path.  She was rare; as she lived in accord with God’s Holy Spirit, displaying all nine attributes of the fruits of the Holy Spirit… love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, according to scripture, specifically, Galatians 5: 22-23.  She was a member of Center Baptist Church at a young age and then transferred her membership to Stedman Baptist, where she served the Lord for over 60 years. She was the oldest member of the church. She served in many roles within the church. One of her fondest memories was naming a church newsletter, which she named, “Joyful News,” to share church activities; but most importantly, to share the love of Christ with others within and outside of the church.

Ettrice was a loving mother of five, a grandmother, great grandmother, and great great grandmother. She instilled Christian values and had her priorities in good order. She put Christ first in her life, followed by her family and friends, followed by work, in that order. She delighted in caring for her family. For as long as she was able, she prepared Sunday dinner and had family gatherings to nurture them and to draw them even closer to one another. During the summertime, she would look forward to preparing homemade ice cream for her extended family and friends. She also looked forward to Christmas family and friend gatherings, where she had fun.

She loved her neighbor as herself; always kind to all she knew and met. Ettrice saw the silver lining in people and in life. She never had unkind words for anyone; always concerned with the feelings and comfort of others, seeing to their needs above her own. She never sought personal recognition for her accomplishments. She was always fair and honest in her dealing with others regardless of status, education, race, age, or handicap. She had a heart of gold and a sincere smile.

Ettrice made beautiful quilts, which she gave to others, including baby doll quilts for the younger ones. Her favorite place was to be outside working in her yard. She also enjoyed our yearly beach vacations, and other outings; but she was content wherever she was.

She was witty and intelligent. She was exceptional, yet modest. She detested quarreling and was always the peacemaker. She brought light, love, and happiness to our family and friends. Her forgiveness was often and her Christian faith strong. She was truly a treasure and will be greatly missed.

Ettrice is survived by her daughters, Myra Sims, and husband Carl; Sherri Roberts, and husband Maxie; and sons Demory Braxton Strickland, Jr. and his wife Irene; and Tommy Strickland, and his wife Suani.  She is also survived by daughter -in-law, Sandra O’Briant Strickland.

Ettrice has gone to be with Jesus; her husband, Demory; her son Mike; grandson Mark Thomas; her parents; and her brothers: Paul, Howard, Ted, Broadus, Randall, and an infant brother; and her sisters: Evangeline Porcelli, Dorothy McKethan, Oleta Griffin, Abbie Inez, and Mina Aleen.

She is survived by eleven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren, with three more that are due by September. She is also survived by a loving sister, Adel Johnson; and a loving brother, Reverend Dr. Dearl Bunce, and loving wife Shirley.

Arrangements are entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 6535 Clinton Road, in Stedman. Visitation will be held on Saturday May 22, 2021 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A memorial service will be held  Sunday May 23, 2021 @ 2pm at  Stedman Baptist Church, 6535 Clinton Rd Stedman. Interment will follow in La Fayette Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, Memorials may be made to the Stedman Baptist Church Fund, c/o Stedman Baptist Church P.O. Box 190, Stedman, North Carolina 28391.