Marie Strickland Gay

Clara ìMarieî Strickland Gay, 78, of Hendersonville, NC, died peacefully Wednesday, November 19, 2008 at her daughterís home in Hendersonville, NC.

Born July 21, 1930 in Nash County, NC, Marie lived most of her life in Ayden, NC, in Pitt County, where she lovingly raised her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Claude Perry Gay, and her parents, Spencer and Artelia Strickland.

She was a member of the Ayden United Methodist Church.

She is survived by a dear friend, James Lou Petty of Grifton, NC; a son, Spencer Earl Gay of Ayden, NC; a daughter and son-in-law, Tracey Lynn Gay and Keith Edward Fields of Hendersonville, NC; a grandson, Brandon Perry Gay of Grimesland, NC; two brothers and a sister and their families, SG and Betty Strickland of Rocky Cross, NC, and their daughter, Sandra of Florida; Jimmy and Barbara Strickland of Pongo Shores, NC, and their daughter, Kim; and Katie and Gene Avery and their children, Michele and Tim, all of Ayden, NC.

The family wishes to thank their ìPark Avenue Familyî and numerous friends in Ayden, as well as the Four Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care ìfamily,î Pardee Pavilion, and Dr. John Watters in Hendersonville for all their love, friendship, compassion, care, and support.

A Celebration of Life is planned for 10 AM Saturday, November 29, 2008, at Ayden United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Four Seasons Hospice & Palliative Care, 571 S. Allen Road, Flat Rock, NC 28731, or to a charity of the donorís choice.