Janeth (Westmoreland) Strickland

Janeth Elaine Westmoreland Strickland, 89, of Houston, Texas, passed away very peacefully on April 10, 2023, just short of her 90th birthday, at her daughter's home in Dahlonega, Georgia. Despite some challenges of a heart condition, she maintained her warm sense of humor and enthusiasm, embracing life up until her very last days.

Janeth was born on April 23, 1933 to Dr. E.H. Westmoreland and Madie Merle Tull Westmoreland in Little Rock, AR. She spent her early childhood in Leland, MS, moving to Houston at the age of 5, when her father was called to pastor South Main Baptist Church in 1938. She attended Poe Elementary, Lanier Junior High and graduated from Lamar High School in 1951. She then earned a B.A. in Elementary Education from Baylor University in Waco, TX in 1954. Later she went on to do graduate studies in Library Science at Indiana State University and completed her Library certification in 1972 at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. She served in public libraries and schools in California, New Mexico, Kentucky and Indiana before returning home to Houston in 1977 to serve as Library/Media Specialist for Inwood Elementary School until her retirement in 1991.

An avid reader, Janeth adored children and had a profound love of books, a wonderful gift to her children and grandchildren, nurturing their imagination and creativity. She was an inspiration to her family, her students, and anyone fortunate enough to become her friend. She loved poetry and biographies. She was interested in absolutely everything and would frequent her bookshelves to find answers to any question that would arise. She enjoyed good movies and good conversation. Always seeing the best in everyone, she loved greatly, without condition, graciously lifting up and encouraging others to their benefit. Along with her appreciation for literature, music and the arts, she loved the outdoors and enjoyed many exciting adventures with her beloved husband Jim, sailing, camping, hiking, and kayaking, well into their later years.

Janeth is survived by her daughter, Elaine Doering (Roger) of Dahlonega, GA, son Jay Strickland (Barrie) of Houston, son Andy Strickland (Elaine) of San Jose, CA, daughter Sherri Heckendorn of Big Sandy, TX, grandchildren: Kelly (Bede) and Jason Strickland, Andrea, Alena, Amanda and Jonathan Carr, Natalie Carson, Trey Doering, Dani Olsen (Daryl) and great grandchildren Isabel, Henrik and Carson. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Jim Strickland, brother Tully Westmoreland, son Ken Carson and son-in-law David Heckendorn.

The family will be wishing her farewell in a small private gathering, sharing cherished memories, reflecting and celebrating her precious spirit, grateful for the many years she brightened our lives.