Karen Michele Parris Strickland, age 57 of Orange Beach, AL, passed away Monday, October 29th, 2018 peacefully at home in the company of her children, animals and husband after a two-year battle with Cancer.
A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 1:30 PM on Sunday, November 11th, 2018 at The Christian Life Island Church, 25550 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL. 36561. A reception with the family will follow the service at GTs on the Bay, 26189 Canal Road, Orange Beach, AL. 36561. Pastor Fred Franks will officiate.
Michele was born to Regina and Danny Parris on October 28, 1961 at Copper Basin Hospital in Copper Hill, Tennessee.
Michele spent her childhood in various towns where her parents ministered including New Orleans, LA, Alapaha and Griffin, GA. Michele was a rabid Georgia Bulldog fan. She has maintained many lifelong relationships with her friends from Griffin High School, where she was active in many church and school activities. Michele spent 18 years in sales and office administration with Valvoline Oil and Stratus Computer before "retiring" in 1998. Later she indulged her passions for decorating and design, opening her own Antiques and crafts business. Most importantly, her driving and constant passion was her role as mother and homemaker. In addition to her own children, Michele was always looking to mother any young person, animal or adult in need of an ear, some advice, a pat on the head and a meal. Her seasonal decorating and her legendary Christmas displays were the Zenith of her love of house and home, her desire to nurture and her way of spreading joy to everyone she touched.
Michele is survived by her husband, Tim Strickland, son Richard Owen and wife Nina Owen, daughter Brooke Owen, Son in Law John P. Bloom III, grandchildren Audrey Lynne Bloom, John Preston Bloom IV, and Benjamin Edward Bloom. She is further survived by her parents, Regina and Danny Parris, brother Mike Parris and wife Lisa, niece Kristi Robinson and husband Jason Robinson, niece Kelli Parris, nephew Mac Smith, grandfather Buford Arp, former husband Rich Owen and wife Kathy, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Her daughter, the late Stephanie Lynne Bloom proceeded her in death.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that a donation be made to the Mitchell Cancer Institute Kilborn Clinic in Fairhope, AL where Michele received such outstanding and compassionate care.
Cason Funeral Service in Foley, Alabama in charge of arrangements. Announced as a courtesy by Cochran Funeral Home & Crematory of Blairsville.