Marie Hudson Strickland, 100, passed away on Sunday, October 18, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of Richard Marion Hudson and Mable Savage Hudson and was also preceded in death by her husband, William Benjamin (Bud) Strickland, Sr. and her grandson, Benjamin Freeman (Bennie) Strickland. 

Marie, along with her husband was a long-time owner of Strickland Associates in Roanoke Rapids since they began the business in 1954. Her work ethic was amazing and she still worked in her family business along with her children and grandchildren until last Friday. She leaves a legacy for her family that has stood the test of time in her community for over 70 years. Although her job was important to her, her main job was being a mother and grandmother.

Marie was a long-time member of First Christian Church with many of her family (children, grandchildren, and other relatives). She was a faithful member and served as a Sunday School teacher as well as an encourager through her regular visits and cards to members of her church and community that were unable to leave their homes or that were in nursing homes. 

Left to cherish her memory are her children, Linda Allen (Bernie/"Ed"), Helen Smith (Lynn), and William Benjamin "Buddy" Strickland, Jr. (Janis); her grandchildren, John Allen (Pam), Benji Allen, Robert Capel (Amanda), Melissa Capel (Wayne Hardy), Leanna Capel (Forrest Bobbitt), T.J. Strickland (Christie); great grandchildren, Beck Allen, Hayleigh Stallings, Tucker Capel, Evan Spicer, Cameron Spicer, Rollins Craddock, Olivia Bobbitt, Ryder Bobbitt, Ellie Strickland, and Jackson Strickland. 

She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Marion Hudson, David Hudson, Horace Hudson, Frank Hudson, and her sister, Catherine Trice. 

Marie brought a strength to her family that has been passed down from generation to generation. She will be missed as well as celebrated for the life that she lived. 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM at First Christian Church in Roanoke Rapids officiated by Rev Randy Martin with interment following at Cedarwood Cemetery. The family will receive visitors at the church from 1:00 PM until the time of the service. 

Funeral arrangements are being handled by locally owned and operated Askew Funeral and Cremation Services.