Coreta Altafa Strickland

Coreta Altafa Strickland, 91, of Muskogee, OK entered heaven's gates on Monday, December 14, 2020. She was born on July 19, 1929 to Calvin and Cora (Lowrance) Wilbourn in Wainwright, OK. She married her best friend and love of her life, Joe F. Strickland on October 19, 1946. They made their home in Muskogee, OK and shared 74 happy years of marriage and memories together. She worked as a homemaker, pastor’s wife and mother for most of her life. She had a double portion of the gift of compassion. It was evident in the direction her life took. Her focus was on the mission of helping the needy. She started a Clothes Closet at her church and it branched over to the Ark of Faith to continue in helping the needy. She loved music. She sang many music specials at her church, played the piano and shared these things with her grandchildren. She loved sing-alongs at family gatherings. She was a devoted wife and supported the family business of Strickland Meat Processing. The long hours and hard work made it a success. She also was a help mate to her husband’s ministry as he preached for over 45 years. She loved her children and grandchildren and wanted to be the first to hold the newborns. Sometimes her bags were all packed when any need of her was asked for. She was preceded in death by her father, Calvin C. Wilbourn; mother, Cora I. (Lowrance) Wilbourn; brother, Carl R. Wilbourn of Arlington, VA; sisters, Cheryl Holland of Bartlesville, OK, Colena Morgan of Muskogee, OK, and Christina Weddle of Muskogee, OK. She is survived by her husband, Joe F Strickland of Muskogee, OK; brother, Charles Wilbourn of Muskogee, OK; children, Nita J. Dunlap and Husband Dan of Muskogee, OK, Tommy J. Strickland and wife Candis of Holly Pond, AL, Rhonda J Bell and husband Randy of Muskogee, OK, Ruth A. Matlock and husband Douglas of Muskogee, OK, and Nancy G. Prinsloo and husband J.J. of Eufaula, OK; 11 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren. A celebration of Coreta’s life will be 2pm Saturday, December 19, 2020 graveside at Greenhill Cemetery with Pastor Bobby Morgan officiating. The family requests that everyone wear a mask while attending the service.

Coreta Altafa Strickland

July 19, 1929 - December 14, 2020