Sister Julia Alberta Vanella Stricklen was born July 24, 1924 in Morrilton, Arkansas to the late Sam and Coleen Stricklen. On the evening of October 1, 2010, the angel of silence came into her hospital room and with chilly fingers, sealed the lips of Sister Vanella Stricklen. She professed a hope in Christ and united with the St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Morrilton, Arkansas, where she remained a member until her death. She was a working mother who loved fishing, cooking, family and gardening. She is preceded in death by three children Minnie Rosbia, Dorothy Willingham and an infant son. She is also prededed by four brothers; Samuel Henry Stricklen, Garland Stricklen, James Henry Stricklen and Eddie Green Stricklen, four sisters; Emmerlene Stricklen Arnold, Louvada Stricklen Saulsberry, Thelma Stricklen Boyd and Mary Rebecca Stricklen. She leaves to cherish her memories two sons, Floyd (Lorean) Jackson of Morrilton, Arkansas, Samuel (Debbie) Gunnels of Conway, Arkansas, one daughter Peggy (Scott) Kalevik of Aurora, Colorado, three brothers Charlie Stricklen and Lee Allen Stricklenof Morrilton, Arkansas, Carl (Geneva) Stricklen of Kansas City, Kansas, seven grandchildren; Ramona Willingham, Lloyd Jackson, Fred Jackson, Sam Garmon, Anisha Stiger, Jazmine Rosbia and Robert Trezvant and several great-grandchildren, a host of nieces nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral service for Mrs. Stricklen will be Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Morrilton, Arkansas by Rev. Scott Kalevik of Aurora, Colorado. The body will lie in state at the church from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. the day of the funeral. Burial will be at Owens Cemetery in Plumerville.