Obituary of
Strickland, Nancy Hood
Nancy Hood Strickland, 88, of Farmers Branch, Texas, passed away Tuesday, November 8, 2016 from complications due to a six year battle with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. She was born in Queens, New York, on June 24, 1928 to Walter L. and Althea (Lauderback) Hood.
Nancy attended schools in Houston, Texas, graduating from Lamar High School in 1945, then continuing her education at Rice Institute (now Rice University) in Houston, where she graduated with a BA degree in the Foreign Languages in 1949. After graduation from Rice, she became a Stewardess for Braniff Airlines where she met her future husband and love of her life, Jack Byron Strickland, of Dallas, Texas. Nancy and Jack were married January 20, 1950. It was during that first year that Jack, a veteran of WWII, was recalled to duty during the Korean War. This turn of events in their early marriage took them to San Diego, California for over a year. Upon returning to Dallas they started their family with the birth of their son, Tracy, in 1952 and completing the family with the birth of Becky in 1955. In 1961 Nancy returned to school to get her teaching credentials and was hired that same year by the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD to teach Language Arts at Vivian Field Junior High. The following year she moved to RL Turner High School’s foreign language department to teach Spanish. In 1975 the second high school in the district, Newman Smith, was opened and Nancy was moved there to be the Foreign Language Department Chairman. She retired in 1988 after 27 years of teaching. Her love of teaching was so great that she ran for the CFISD School Board, where she won a seat and served for 12 years. Recognized for her contribution to education, the School Board dedicated the Nancy H. Strickland Intermediate School in her honor on October 14, 2008. During her life service, Nancy has left her gracious mark on the numerous students she taught and provided leadership on the CFBISD School Board and to the numerous civic and professional organizations to which she belonged. Nancy will be dearly missed and remembered by not only her loving family, but by all those whose life she touched in so many ways.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack and is survived by her son, Tracy Strickland and wife Kay; daughter, Becky Jackson and husband Miles Jackson; 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and sister-in-law, Ann Strickland.
Visitation will be Sunday, November 13th, from 2 to 5 pm in the Brooks Family Chapel at the North Dallas Funeral Home, 2710 Valley View Lane, Farmers Branch, Texas 75234.
A Memorial Service will be for family and close friends at a date to be determined later.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to either the Carrollton Farmers Branch Educational Foundation for Nancy H. Strickland Intermediate School (https://cfbgiving.com/give/) or the St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Memorial Fund in Farmers Branch, Texas 75234.
Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.
Tribute Wall of Strickland, Nancy Hood
Mrs. Strickland always went out of her way to fawn lavishly on the hispanic students who were basically just speaking their native language. For the rest of us, Mrs. Strickland was pretty reserved with her praise. That being said, Mrs. Strickland taught me that sometimes you have to fight through teachers who unfairly favored (Spanish speaking) students.
Ray Mak
Thursday October 13, 2022
Mrs. Strickland always went out of her way to fawn lavishly on the hispanic students who were basically just speaking their native language. For the rest of us, Mrs. Strickland was pretty reserved with her praise. That being said, Mrs. Strickland taught me that sometimes you have to fight through teachers who unfairly favored (Spanish speaking) students.
Dear Tracy and Becky and Families,
Nancy was my first cousin by marriage. It was always a great pleasure to see and talk to her whenever I was in the Dallas area. In fact, my wife and I stopped to see Ann and then took her to lunch with us and Nancy several times. What I remember most was her brilliant wit and the dedication to St. Andrew’s church. She always was telling us something that they were doing. Now she is helping God’s kingdom in heaven and that is a wonderful thing.
God bless you at this difficult times.
Fred Rolater
Fred Rolater
Thursday October 13, 2022
Dear Tracy and Becky and Families,
Nancy was my first cousin by marriage. It was always a great pleasure to see and talk to her whenever I was in the Dallas area. In fact, my wife and I stopped to see Ann and then took her to lunch with us and Nancy several times. What I remember most was her brilliant wit and the dedication to St. Andrew's church. She always was telling us something that they were doing. Now she is helping God's kingdom in heaven and that is a wonderful thing.
God bless you at this difficult times.
Fred Rolater
My prayers and all the great memoriers we shared serving on CFBISD school board are sent your way to keep you laughing my dear friend, You were always a great traveling companinion! Your legacy of kindness will always be with us.
Pam Odino & & Family
Thursday October 13, 2022
My prayers and all the great memoriers we shared serving on CFBISD school board are sent your way to keep you laughing my dear friend, You were always a great traveling companinion! Your legacy of kindness will always be with us.
It was a privilege to serve on the School Board with Nancy. She advocated for children with class and tenacity.
John Tepper
Thursday October 13, 2022
It was a privilege to serve on the School Board with Nancy. She advocated for children with class and tenacity.
Mrs. Strickland was never my Spanish teacher, but I knew her at NSHS from 1980 – 1984. Her presence was large; she always greeted me in Spanish and I remember her visiting my Spanish classes.
I was in a small group of students inducted into the NHS second semester of our senior year. She made us feel welcomed.
I am now a World Language teacher (I teach German) and hope that my students have as much fun with World Language as we did.
Her light was bright and she shared it with many. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Becky England
Thursday October 13, 2022
Mrs. Strickland was never my Spanish teacher, but I knew her at NSHS from 1980 - 1984. Her presence was large; she always greeted me in Spanish and I remember her visiting my Spanish classes.
I was in a small group of students inducted into the NHS second semester of our senior year. She made us feel welcomed.
I am now a World Language teacher (I teach German) and hope that my students have as much fun with World Language as we did.
Her light was bright and she shared it with many. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Becky and Tracy, I was so sorry to hear that your Mom had passed. I have so many fond memories of her. She was truly a pillar in C-FB. My heartfelt condolences on your loss.
Leslie Brown
Thursday October 13, 2022
Becky and Tracy, I was so sorry to hear that your Mom had passed. I have so many fond memories of her. She was truly a pillar in C-FB. My heartfelt condolences on your loss.
Nancy was an incredible friend to me and the entire school district. She was much loved by not only me, but the whole community. We wish the family much peace
Annette Griffin
Thursday October 13, 2022
Nancy was an incredible friend to me and the entire school district. She was much loved by not only me, but the whole community. We wish the family much peace
Our family has been blessed by your mother so many times. She has been a mentor, teacher, and an active Churchwoman for many years. We are praying for your family.
Earlene & Jim Nicola
Thursday October 13, 2022
Our family has been blessed by your mother so many times. She has been a mentor, teacher, and an active Churchwoman for many years. We are praying for your family.
Nancy was a devoted volunteer with North Texas Taping and Radio for the Blind. I was honored to have worked with her there and greatly admired her work.
Sharon Lauren Komorn
Thursday October 13, 2022
Nancy was a devoted volunteer with North Texas Taping and Radio for the Blind. I was honored to have worked with her there and greatly admired her work.
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Strickland. She was a wonderful woman and a great teacher. It has been nearly forty years since I enjoyed having her as my Spanish teacher. I will always remember her sense of humor, her passion for teaching, and her caring nature. She made a wonderful difference in the lives of many people.
Greg Schultz
Thursday October 13, 2022
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Strickland. She was a wonderful woman and a great teacher. It has been nearly forty years since I enjoyed having her as my Spanish teacher. I will always remember her sense of humor, her passion for teaching, and her caring nature. She made a wonderful difference in the lives of many people.
My husband and I are both NSHS Class of 1982. Mrs. Strickland taught Spanish to my husband and I knew her through her being the faculty sponsor for National Honor Society. She was one of the few teachers that didn’t look at us as a strange couple. She remained in our lives through our mothers who worked with her through various volunteer groups. Greg and I valued her and her guidance. I would think of her often and am sad at her passing. I do hope he family can take comfort in knowing how much Nancy meant to her students and the entire C/FB community. Her memory will live on.
Diane Vissers Rutherford
Thursday October 13, 2022
My husband and I are both NSHS Class of 1982. Mrs. Strickland taught Spanish to my husband and I knew her through her being the faculty sponsor for National Honor Society. She was one of the few teachers that didn't look at us as a strange couple. She remained in our lives through our mothers who worked with her through various volunteer groups. Greg and I valued her and her guidance. I would think of her often and am sad at her passing. I do hope he family can take comfort in knowing how much Nancy meant to her students and the entire C/FB community. Her memory will live on.
What a beautiful life story and I believe her story is just beginning with the Lord. May peace be with her family and friends and may grief be replaced with all the great memories.
Maxine Cook Sims
Thursday October 13, 2022
What a beautiful life story and I believe her story is just beginning with the Lord. May peace be with her family and friends and may grief be replaced with all the great memories.
Nancy was a kind, smart, wise person who made her contributions in style. My condolences to the family.
Zelene Lovitt
Thursday October 13, 2022
Nancy was a kind, smart, wise person who made her contributions in style. My condolences to the family.
Our family got to Farmers Branch a bit before the Stricklands, but we caught up with each other in the Farmers Branch Little league when Tracy and I played on the same team for three years. That was when I first met Nancy Strickland. We met again at Vivian Field when she sponsored the Student Council before she moved on to R. L. Turner. I caught up with her, again, there as a freshman taking Spanish I and after that, she became Senora Strickland or simply La Senora. Although she was never again my classroom teacher, she generously allowed me to return to one of her classes in my last year at RLT in an attempt to earn credit for Spanish as a university freshman – it didn’t work, but not for her lack of trying.
I eventually lost track of her, but always remember her as a teacher who demanded your best and would not let you accept less than that. I later learned of her service on the school board and was thrilled to see the school named for her when I drove past it the first time. A great human being who epitomized the concept of service in all phases of her life.
Jimmy Doty
Thursday October 13, 2022
Our family got to Farmers Branch a bit before the Stricklands, but we caught up with each other in the Farmers Branch Little league when Tracy and I played on the same team for three years. That was when I first met Nancy Strickland. We met again at Vivian Field when she sponsored the Student Council before she moved on to R. L. Turner. I caught up with her, again, there as a freshman taking Spanish I and after that, she became Senora Strickland or simply La Senora. Although she was never again my classroom teacher, she generously allowed me to return to one of her classes in my last year at RLT in an attempt to earn credit for Spanish as a university freshman - it didn't work, but not for her lack of trying.
I eventually lost track of her, but always remember her as a teacher who demanded your best and would not let you accept less than that. I later learned of her service on the school board and was thrilled to see the school named for her when I drove past it the first time. A great human being who epitomized the concept of service in all phases of her life.
I had the priviledge of working with Nancy at Newman Smith HS. What a great educator and even better person. Please know prayers are being lifted up for the entire family. Nancy Strickland certainly made a positive impact on 100’s of young lives. What a blessing to have been able to know such a wonderful woman.
Jeff Foster
Thursday October 13, 2022
I had the priviledge of working with Nancy at Newman Smith HS. What a great educator and even better person. Please know prayers are being lifted up for the entire family. Nancy Strickland certainly made a positive impact on 100's of young lives. What a blessing to have been able to know such a wonderful woman.
I have had the privilege and honor of knowing Nancy since I was two years old! I grew up with Tracy and Becky on Nestle Street, and our neighborhood was truly like one big family. We shared many “Happy Days” together. I loved her then for the cinnamon sticks she used to make for us, and as I grew older learned what an amazing woman she was. My family and I were blessed to have Nancy and Jack in our lives. All our love to you Tracy and Becky.
Susan Pollard
Thursday October 13, 2022
I have had the privilege and honor of knowing Nancy since I was two years old! I grew up with Tracy and Becky on Nestle Street, and our neighborhood was truly like one big family. We shared many "Happy Days" together. I loved her then for the cinnamon sticks she used to make for us, and as I grew older learned what an amazing woman she was. My family and I were blessed to have Nancy and Jack in our lives. All our love to you Tracy and Becky.
Ms. Strickland represented the best in how we define the word “teacher”. She cared for every student, and we were blessed to have her teach in the Carrollton Farmers Branch School District.
I have been a teacher since 1989. Ms. Strickland was my role model on how I wanted to treat my students.
I want to thank her children and pray for them at the same time. Alzeimer’s disease is a horrible effect on someone whose intelligence was passed on to thousands of students. God bless you and your family. God bless Nancy Strickland for being such a valuable person on this planet.
Anton Hrebec
Thursday October 13, 2022
Ms. Strickland represented the best in how we define the word "teacher". She cared for every student, and we were blessed to have her teach in the Carrollton Farmers Branch School District.
I have been a teacher since 1989. Ms. Strickland was my role model on how I wanted to treat my students.
I want to thank her children and pray for them at the same time. Alzeimer's disease is a horrible effect on someone whose intelligence was passed on to thousands of students. God bless you and your family. God bless Nancy Strickland for being such a valuable person on this planet.
Tracy and Becky, I send you and your family my heartfelt sympathy for your profound loss, my prayers for your comfort and strength and my certainty that the loving family life Nancy fostered will stay with you always as cherished memories.
Tracey Haley
Thursday October 13, 2022
Tracy and Becky, I send you and your family my heartfelt sympathy for your profound loss, my prayers for your comfort and strength and my certainty that the loving family life Nancy fostered will stay with you always as cherished memories.
Nancy was a true friend, always so helpful one anything she ask of her. My daughter Hope was in school with her children and we had great times with the youth group at St. Andrews. Will be missed. Love from Kathleen Cook
Katleen Cook
Thursday October 13, 2022
Nancy was a true friend, always so helpful one anything she ask of her. My daughter Hope was in school with her children and we had great times with the youth group at St. Andrews. Will be missed. Love from Kathleen Cook
Nancy was a gracious, vibrant person who blessed her students in CFB and later, on the school board, was an advocate for them. She will leave a lasting legacy and many good memories for many of us.
Andrea Bailey
Thursday October 13, 2022
Nancy was a gracious, vibrant person who blessed her students in CFB and later, on the school board, was an advocate for them. She will leave a lasting legacy and many good memories for many of us.
I first met Nancy in 1975, when she and Martha Mae Charlebois invited me (as a newly minted bilingual teacher) to talk to a meeting of the Spanish Club at R.L. Turner. We sang songs and practiced Spanish. She was so charming, and ten years later I came to work at C-FB, and after Nancy retired, I hired her back to help second language kids at Mary Grimes Center. She was tireless and always enthusiastic, and (even later on) a great friend to have the school board. Her life contributed to everyone she met. May her spirit continue to enrich us.
John Godbey
Thursday October 13, 2022
I first met Nancy in 1975, when she and Martha Mae Charlebois invited me (as a newly minted bilingual teacher) to talk to a meeting of the Spanish Club at R.L. Turner. We sang songs and practiced Spanish. She was so charming, and ten years later I came to work at C-FB, and after Nancy retired, I hired her back to help second language kids at Mary Grimes Center. She was tireless and always enthusiastic, and (even later on) a great friend to have the school board. Her life contributed to everyone she met. May her spirit continue to enrich us.
Such fond memories of Nancy over the years we taught together at Newman Smith High School. And what great parties she threw on Friday evenings to help all her teacher buddies unwind. Prayers for her family. She was a great gal. Shirley
Shirley Duderstadt
Thursday October 13, 2022
Such fond memories of Nancy over the years we taught together at Newman Smith High School. And what great parties she threw on Friday evenings to help all her teacher buddies unwind. Prayers for her family. She was a great gal. Shirley
We will never forget all the fun and laughs we had, over the many years, playing Tripoli with Nancy. She was loads of fun and a very bright, creative woman. The world has lost a very valuable woman, but she is heaven’s gain!
Repose en paix, dear Nancy.
Al & Kay
Al & Kay Wynn
Thursday October 13, 2022
We will never forget all the fun and laughs we had, over the many years, playing Tripoli with Nancy. She was loads of fun and a very bright, creative woman. The world has lost a very valuable woman, but she is heaven's gain!
Repose en paix, dear Nancy.
Al & Kay
My most unforgettable teacher. Her energy and joy in the classroom were infectious and inspiring. Years later we had many treasured chats in her living room. She made me (and I’m sure everyone else) feel loved and important. She really cared and wanted to know all about how life was going decades after high school Spanish. I was so thrilled when she arranged to hand my son his RLT diploma in 2004.
Barbara Jarvis Austin
Thursday October 13, 2022
My most unforgettable teacher. Her energy and joy in the classroom were infectious and inspiring. Years later we had many treasured chats in her living room. She made me (and I'm sure everyone else) feel loved and important. She really cared and wanted to know all about how life was going decades after high school Spanish. I was so thrilled when she arranged to hand my son his RLT diploma in 2004.
I have so many wonderful memories of Nancy: going to theatre, playing bridge, having “one” more glass of wine.
I will always miss answering my phone and hearing, “Hello honey, how about playing some bridge?”
Joan Thomas
Joan Thomas
Thursday October 13, 2022
I have so many wonderful memories of Nancy: going to theatre, playing bridge, having "one" more glass of wine.
I will always miss answering my phone and hearing, "Hello honey, how about playing some bridge?"
Joan Thomas
My sincere condolences to the family. I knew Nancy as a parent of one of my students, a coworker and as a leader on the board of trustees.
Jack Millaway
Thursday October 13, 2022
My sincere condolences to the family. I knew Nancy as a parent of one of my students, a coworker and as a leader on the board of trustees.
Your mother was a tough cookie. She lived life to it’s fullest and battled for life for many years. We miss her.
Becky and Bruce DeGrasse
Thursday October 13, 2022
Your mother was a tough cookie. She lived life to it's fullest and battled for life for many years. We miss her.
My sympathy and prayers go out to you, Kay, Tracy, and all the family. May God comfort and console you at this time. Take comfort in Rev. 21:4.
Carolyn Womack
Thursday October 13, 2022
My sympathy and prayers go out to you, Kay, Tracy, and all the family. May God comfort and console you at this time. Take comfort in Rev. 21:4.
Nancy was a hoot. She taught across the hall from me at Turner for four years, but she remained my friend forever more despite our age difference. I have great stories and so many lovely memories about your mom. Special hugs to you, Becky.
Linda Bambina
Thursday October 13, 2022
Nancy was a hoot. She taught across the hall from me at Turner for four years, but she remained my friend forever more despite our age difference. I have great stories and so many lovely memories about your mom. Special hugs to you, Becky.
Sra. Strickland was without a doubt one of my favorite teachers ever. What a wonderful lady! She was so fun in the classroom and full of energy. My very deepest condolences to her family. I just wanted to pass on to her family that I, like so many of her students, always held her in such high regard. Back when we were teenagers, I’m sure we were a tough crowd to impress. But she earned our respect and adoration. She really had a very special quality to her. She was a blessing to her students. And though high school was a long time ago for me, when I think of Sra., I can’t help but smile. – NSHS Class of 1988
Susan Piel
Thursday October 13, 2022
Sra. Strickland was without a doubt one of my favorite teachers ever. What a wonderful lady! She was so fun in the classroom and full of energy. My very deepest condolences to her family. I just wanted to pass on to her family that I, like so many of her students, always held her in such high regard. Back when we were teenagers, I'm sure we were a tough crowd to impress. But she earned our respect and adoration. She really had a very special quality to her. She was a blessing to her students. And though high school was a long time ago for me, when I think of Sra., I can't help but smile. - NSHS Class of 1988
My sincere condolences in the loss of Mrs. Strickland. She was an awesome lady and will be greatly missed my many. From a former student and friend.
Leann Gravley Pifer
Thursday October 13, 2022
My sincere condolences in the loss of Mrs. Strickland. She was an awesome lady and will be greatly missed my many. From a former student and friend.
Nancy was a great teacher and friend. She opened her home to me on many occasions to share a meal and good company. Tracy and Becky, my prayers go to you during this time. Her love for both of you was never ending. She was so proud of both of you and always wanted the best for you. She will be missed by me and the countless friends she made over the yeas.
Dorothy Selman Wasunyk
Dorothy Selman Wasunyk
Thursday October 13, 2022
Nancy was a great teacher and friend. She opened her home to me on many occasions to share a meal and good company. Tracy and Becky, my prayers go to you during this time. Her love for both of you was never ending. She was so proud of both of you and always wanted the best for you. She will be missed by me and the countless friends she made over the yeas.
Dorothy Selman Wasunyk