Joan Carolyn Ham Strickland, 90, of Nichols, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, surrounded by her family. She was born in Mullins, South Carolina on March 29, 1935, the daughter of the late Clifton Ham and the late Ruth Small Ham.

Joan had a loving and genuinely kind spirit who was dedicated to helping others. She spent many years at both Marion Memorial Hospital and Marion County Medical Center serving as a nurse, mentor, and a source of comfort for thousands of patients and their families.

She was gifted in so many ways, and she shared those gifts freely with others. She loved to cook and was the happiest when she could prepare meals for her loved ones and friends. The time spent around the table with her family created many precious memories for everyone. She also enjoyed gardening and the beauty her work in her yard brought. A faithful servant of Christ, she was a longtime member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and supervised in the kitchen of the Fellowship Hall anytime there was a special occasion.

In her earlier life, Joan enjoyed traveling and experiencing new places. She shared a deep bond with her husband, Quincey, who predeceased her in 2003. Many of her fondest memories were made with a fishing rod in hand, side-by-side with the love of her life.

In addition to her parents, Joan was predeceased by her loving husband, Quincey G. Strickland, Jr., a son, Quincey G. Strickland, III, and a brother, Phillip Ham.

She is survived by her children, David T. Strickland and his wife, Wendy, Mandy S. Jordan and her husband, Les, and Pam Stroud and her husband, John; nine grandchildren, Laura Brown (Timmy), Pepper Strickland, Carie Smoley (Philip), Leslie Elliott (Joey), Shana Elkins (Andy), Jamie Strickland (Karla), Heather Strickland, Kelly Hardwick (Josh), and Garrett Stroud (Abbie); sisters, Billie Lou Boyette, Jackie Keene (Richard), Susan Buffkin (Ray), and Gayle Ham Hayes (Stuart); eighteen great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sister-in-law, Peggy Ham, and a daughter-in-law, Kathy Strickland.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 15, 2025, at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery with Reverend Benji Hutson officiating. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall of the church following the service and at other times at the home of John and Pam Stroud, 9735 Highway 917 in Nichols.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Joan's caregiver, Annette Adams and to Farrah Hayes of Patriot Hospice for the kindness and care shown to Joan during their time with her.

If you would like to remember Joan, the family suggests that memorials be made to Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, 535 Nichols Highway South, Nichols, South Carolina 29581.

An online guestbook is available at www.mearesfh.com.

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