Justine Strickland

Obituary

On Sunday, November 19, 2023, Justine Strickland passed away at eighty-one. She was a loving wife, a caring mother to her two daughters, and a fantastic grandmother to her grandchildren. Justine was an avid learner who earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master's in early childhood and special education. She devoted forty-five years to making a difference in early childhood and special education in the United States of America. Justine served on numerous government committees for education reform, pioneered the first inclusive preschool in the late 80s on the lower East Side of New York for children with and without special needs, consulted for Head Start, and finished her career as Assistant Commissioner for GA Decal Bright From the Start in Atlanta, Georgia.

Aside from her work, Justine was passionate about politics, gardening, reading, making gourds, and shopping. She was always busy running errands or shopping, earning her the nickname "street rat". In her retirement years, Justine cherished being a grandmother to her grandchildren. She loved being the chauffeur for KK, taking her to and from school, and chatting about technology, politics, and the world, which often turned into heated debates. Her conversations with Niaya were always gentle and soulful, and she looked forward to their morning Facetime calls as Niaya walked to class each day on the University of Miami campus. Always envious of the constant sunshine. Justine enjoyed philosophical discussions with Kyle about life and the world around us.

She is survived by her daughter, Dara Solomon, and her husband, James Solomon, Jr.; her grandchildren, Kyle Strickland, Niaya Solomon, Kaliyah Solomon, and Tony Smith; and son-in-law, Ty Smith. Her sister, Cheryl Ware; sister-in-law, Rosetta Strickland; and many nieces and nephews loved dearly. She is preceded by her husband, Lawrence Strickland, daughter Fela Strickland-Smith; brothers Shadrach Ware, Jr., Stanley Ware, Bobby Ware, George Ware, and Arnold Ware; sisters Alice Hunter, Marion Burton, Ethel Wilkerson, Annie Ware, Latresa “Patty” Beck, and parents, Shadrach Ware and Anna Ashley.

Justine made a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her wisdom, compassion, and kindness live on in so many that she touched.

To View My Other Family Members Memorial Pages:

Lawrence Strickland - https://app.bluebutterfly.com/memorial/v2/lawrence-strickland

Fela Strickland-Smith - https://app.bluebutterfly.com/memorial/v2/fela-strickland-smith

Services

Memorial Service (Online)

Saturday, December 2, 2023, 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Eastern Time

View details

Memories and Condolences

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Dara, I will never forget sharing a cup of coffee with your mom and learning about her experience in early childhood education when I was on the board of the Children's Development Academy in Roswell. First, it was amazing b/c I learned how you and Fela were raised to be so AWESOME! Second, she taught me so much about the "industry" of early childhood education and opened my eyes to funding sources I'd never considered. The impact your mom made, both from her own experience and wisdom, and in raising two exceptional daughters, is incredible. Her legacy will live on!

Niki Rabren

I remember visiting Aunt Jessie, Uncle Larry, Dara and Fela in their apartment, and for some reason thinking we took a flight to Colorado to see them. :) They had such a nice place, with closets in the hallway to our left that were so tall and full of toys and board games. It was wonderful to just be there with the family. That was such a long time ago. Aunt Jessie will always be remembered for the bright and colorful Aunt that she was to me, my brothers and those who knew her well. She had such a beaming smile. We come to a point where our loved ones begin to fall away - I knew these days would come, but you can never prepare for it. I hope to see them again when my time comes. I'll miss her smile in the meantime.

Jaleel