Carmel Brown Strickland

Memorial services for Carmel R. Strickland, 61, of Monroe, LA, will be held at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at Parkview Baptist Church in Monroe, LA, with Dr. Lee McGlone officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until time of service on Wednesday, February 9, 2022.

Carmel Risa was welcomed enthusiastically at Bessemer General Hospital, Bessemer, AL, on July 26, 1960, by her parents, Carlos and Melba Brown as their first-year wedding anniversary present. She was such a pretty and tiny girl, with a bald head, dimpled cheeks, cleft chin (like her dad), beautiful skin, dancing brown eyes, and full of energy. She quickly developed her beautiful smile, delightful laughter and loving nature. Her sly grin and sense of humor emerged early in life and increased with age. She loved creatures of many species, dogs, cats, frogs, snails, turtles, hamsters, lizards, and birds.

Carmel moved with her family to Monroe at the age of 8. She was an excellent student at Sallie Humble Elementary School, Lee Jr. High School, and Neville High School. Ten years after graduating high school, when her 2 sons were of school age, she pursued and attained her Nursing Degree in Pediatrics at NLU. Nursing was her calling and her joy. She was devoted to her patients, their families, and all her coworkers at St. Francis Medical Center for 29 ½ years.

Her love for nurturing little ones developed early from taking care of her baby dolls, baby sitting as a teenager, tending to her baby sister, teaching Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and chaperoning children’s church trips at Parkview Baptist Church. Her greatest joy was in raising her two boys. She loved being a mother and was delighted at the arrival of her granddaughter, Emma Mae. Their special names for each other were Barkel Barkel and Effa Mae.

She was especially attentive to all needs of her nephew and niece, Reagan and Allison Crotwell. She was available and helpful to many friends who called upon her for nursing care for their children. She also lovingly attended the needs of adults in her family.

Carmel was a beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, niece, cousin, co-worker, and a faithful friend to many people.

She waged a valiant battle against many serious health challenges in recent weeks. She often cried out to God in heaven and Jesus her savior for help. She was heard. Music soothed her, and even in her last weeks she sang Silent Night, The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow, Jesus Loves Me, and her favorite, The God On the Mountain Is Still the God In the Valley- the God of the Day is Still God In the Night.

Carmel leaves a beautiful legacy for those who survive her: two sons, Riley and John Wesley Strickland; granddaughter, Emma Mae; mother, Melba Brown; two sisters and their families, Lori, Jim, Reagan Crotwell, Allison and Cody Haynes, and Meredyth Brown and Tony Urso; many dear aunts, uncles, cousins; BFF since 3rd grade, Mary Lynn Willett; Jennifer Strickland, Logan, Emily; and many other cherished friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Carlos Brown; grandparents, Idella and Fred Brown and Gertrude and James Nelms; many dear aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family wishes to express love and appreciation to the many relatives and friends who have faithfully kept vigil during this difficult time for Carmel. She knew and it helped.

The family respectfully requests that masks and social distancing be observed due to Covid.

If desired, memorials to honor Carmel may be made to the organization of your choice.