Sarah Strickland

Sarah Brandt Strickland age 81 died peacefully at Ross Memorial after struggling with pneumonia. Sarah was born on October 22, 1934, the daughter of Eldor Gustav Brandt and Louise Tate Brandt of Ansley Park, 106 Avery Drive, Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up, Sarah was a gifted and recognized water colorist. Sarah graduated from Henry W. Grady High School in 1952. After teaching herself to play tennis at McClatchey Park she played to became a doubles winner Tennis Championship for the City of Atlanta in her senior year, coached by Erik Russell. After being recruited by the President of The University of Tennessee to become an inaugural member of the University's Interior Design program, Sarah graduated in 1956. At Tennessee, Sarah was a member of Chi Omega Fraternity Pi Chapter and the Pep Club that picked out the first Smokey mascot for the University. Sarah was a Volunteer through and through. Upon graduation, Sarah returned to her alma mater Grady High School, to teach science, where she met her beloved Harry, Harry Strickland, a beloved teacher and coach. They were married on November 27, 1957 at Peachtree Christian Church and celebrated 53 years together. In 1964 Sarah opened her own business which operated until 1985, Sarah Strickland Interior Designs. Sarah loved her work helping her clients express their own style. Sarah and Harry retired from Atlanta to move to first Seed Lake in Lakemont, Georgia and then settling in Hiawassee, Georgia where they were members of their beloved congregation of Hiawassee United Methodist Church. Sarah is survived by her most beloved brother, Eddie Brandt of Atlanta and Moganton, NC, her two beloved grandchildren, Sarah Dechiara, 23 and Brooks Dechiara, 19, her cherished son-in-law Tony Dechiara, and her Kimmy, her daughter Kim Dechiara, as well as numerous beloved family and friends.

A visitation will be held at H.M. Patterson & Son Funeral Home – Spring Hill Chapel from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday, November 19. There will also be a graveside service at the Laurel Hills Memory Gardens Cemetery in Hiawassee, GA at 10am on Friday, November 20. Donations can be made to Hiawassee United Methodist Church.

Cochran Funeral Home of Hiawassee in charge of local arrangements.