Pauline (Royal) Strickland

Salemburg

Mrs. Pauline Royal Strickland, 91, of Salemburg, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 14, 2024. She was surrounded by her family at Cape Fear Valley Rehabilitation Center in Fayetteville.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Salemburg Baptist Church with Reverend Drew Bolin, Reverend John Adams, and Dr. John Roberson officiating. Burial will follow at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Salemburg.

The visitation will be held from 12:00 - 1:50 PM on Thursday, December 19, 2024 at Salemburg Baptist Church prior to the service.

Pauline was born on September 25, 1933, in the Piney Green Community to Estel and Georgianna Fann Royal. She was a devoted wife of 72 years to Bobby Sherrill Strickland of the Bearskin Community, and a loving mother to their four children. Pauline always kept the “home fires burning” for the family. Her strong faith led her to ensure her children were strong in their Christian faith and would always know the Lord. She encouraged her children to be the best they could be, always supporting them in whatever they did – always saying how proud she was of their accomplishments. Her heart grew even bigger and her love grew even more with her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren, always having a surprise for them when they visited.

She became “The First Lady of Salemburg” when her husband, Bobby, became the Mayor of Salemburg. As the town's “biggest” supporter, she started the first Christmas parade, put up banners for the different seasons, oversaw putting up the Christmas lights, started the Salemburg Museum, and created the town slogan, “Small Town, Big Heart”, and put Salemburg on the map as being part of a “Scenic Highway.” She was just as active as a member of Salemburg Baptist Church, serving on several committees and always there to send a helping hand.

Pauline was preceded in death by her parents, Estel and Georgianna Royal; her brothers, Wrietzel Royal and wife Willodean, Estel Royal, Jr. and wife Joanne, Cozart and wife Gladys; and her sister Matel Royal Viall and Husband Bob Viall and nephew, Elbert Royal.

Pauline is survived by her husband, Bobby Sherrill Strickland; children, Elaine Strickland Deal and husband Walt; Sherrill Strickland and wife Rhonda; Amy Strickland Ennis and husband Stuart; Bryan Strickland and wife Virginia.

She is survived by six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, Brandon Strickland and wife Megan and children Burroughs and Wallace; Clint Strickland and wife Allison and children, Carter, Murray Miles and Watson; Jonathan Ennis and wife Amanda and children Brody and Owen; Hannah Brooke Ennis; Peyton Strickland McCabe and husband, Patrick; Lawson Lorraine Strickland.

She is survived and loved by many nieces and nephews.

Pauline is also survived by her two special in-laws, Jefferson and Sue Strickland.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to Salemburg Baptist Church, P.O. Box 537, Salemburg, NC, or to the Town of Salemburg, P.O. Box 190, Salemburg, NC.

The family would like to thank the staff of Rolling Ridge in Newton Grove and also the staff of Carolina Rehab Center of Cumberland in Fayetteville for their loving care.

The family appreciates all your love and support.

Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 401 W. Roseboro Street, Roseboro, NC.