Eula Mae Small Strickland, 97, of Nichols passed away peacefully at her daughter's home on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, surrounded by the family she cherished so deeply. She was born in Horry County on September 1, 1928, the daughter of the late Jacob Foster Small and the late Millie Jane Small.

Mrs. Strickland was a gentle soul who dedicated her life to the two most important things in her life-her church and her family. She was a loving and devoted mother with a strong Christian faith. She made sure her children were raised as part of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, the church in which she held the title of oldest member. Mrs. Eula Mae held tightly to God's love and her faith as she aged gracefully. She filled the home with music, as she hummed her favorite old hymns like "Just a Closer Walk with Thee."

Mrs. Strickland spent many happy hours through the years working in her vegetable garden, which she was still doing at the age of 84. She always made sure there was enough to share with others. In addition to working in the home, she also worked many years at SOPAKCO and at Jones Department Store. As her family grew, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Strickland was predeceased by her husband, Herschel Monroe Strickland, two sons, Jacob Foster Strickland and Kelly Ray Strickland, a grandchild, Barry Strickland, four brothers and eight sisters.

She is survived by a daughter, Deloris Elliott and her husband, Squeaky of Latta; four grandchildren, Sonya Elliott Rogers (Rodney), Candy Elliott Devers, Kevin Strickland (Tara), and Tracy Strickland Suggs; eight great-grandchildren, and a daughter-in-law, Cathy Strickland.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, March 1, 2026, in the sanctuary of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church with Reverend Benji Hutson officiating. The family will receive friends in the sanctuary one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery.

The Family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the McLeod Hospice staff for the kindness and care given during their time with her.

Memorial donations in her name may be made to Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, 535 Nichols Highway South, Nichols, South Carolina 29581.

An online guestbook is available on our website at www.mearesfh.com.

Meares Funeral Home has been given the honor of serving the family.