Jowanna Fay

Strickland

Jowanna Fay Strickland (née Kicklighter) passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2026.

Born in Glennville, Georgia, Jowanna spent most of her life in Savannah and Richmond Hill, Georgia, where she built a life centered around family, faith, and the many relationships she cherished. She was the eldest daughter of Nell Warren Kicklighter and Lethridge Rudolph Kicklighter.

Jowanna was a strong-willed woman with a deep love for her family. No matter the distance, she made an effort to stay in touch with family members near and far, keeping those connections alive through the years. Family was at the heart of her life, and she especially treasured the large family gatherings and holidays at "Aunt Jo's," where generations came together to share food, laughter, and memories.

Jowanna had a natural talent for gardening, floral arranging, and decorating. She especially enjoyed creating beautiful flower arrangements and holiday decorations, sharing her creativity with both her family and her church. Her talents were particularly evident at Christmastime, when she typically created the Christmas wreaths and decorated both the interior and exterior of First Free Will Baptist Church of Savannah. Her eye for beauty and the care she put into every arrangement helped make holidays and special occasions even more memorable for those around her.

Jowanna is survived by her loving daughter, Cherie (David) Dorondo, and granddaughter, India Dorondo; her sister, Gloria Bishop; and her brothers, Derrell (Debbie), Warren (Pam), and Elliott (Elaine). She also leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will fondly remember their time together. She is also survived by her special daughter-in-law, Bernadette Strickland, who lovingly cared for Jowanna for more than a decade and held a very special place in her life.

Jowanna was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband of 44 years, Carroll Henry Strickland; and her son, Dana.

Faith was an important part of Jowanna's life. She was a devoted member of First Free Will Baptist Church of Savannah for more than 50 years. Throughout those years, she generously shared her time and talents, including decorating the church for special events and holidays. She was also active in the church's women's group, where she enjoyed fellowship and friendships with fellow members.

Jowanna held a deep faith and believed that death was not a final goodbye, but a promise of reunion with the family members and friends who had gone before her. That belief brought her comfort and hope, and her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now reunited with those she loved and missed.

Her family will remember her strong spirit, her creativity, her devotion to family, and the many ways she made holidays and gatherings special. The beauty she created, the relationships she nurtured, and the traditions she helped establish will live on in the hearts and memories of those who loved her.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at First Free Will Baptist Church of Savannah (5210 Skidaway Road, Savannah, GA 31404).

Interment will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens (315 Greenwich Road, Savannah, GA 31404).