A great soul has received the promises of her lifelong faith and met her Heavenly Father. “Miss” Bobbie Van departed this earthly pilgrimage from Sanctuary Hospice House after 90 years, 4 months and 16 days of a long, fruitful life. Born in the Carolina Community of Itawamba County on April 15, 1936 to the late Ethel Lee and Ruby May Allred Davis, she lived most of her life in Tupelo and Palmetto/Bissell area for 60 years. Never afraid of work, she worked on the assembly line at Air Cap/MIT for 40 years. Miss Bobbie loved to garden and raise vegetables and can goods for family and friends. She loved growing flowers in her yard. Kind hearted and independent, she loved her family dearly and was well acquainted with grief as she lived beyond burying 3 sons in her lifetime as well as her husband, L.J. Van. Her faith was renewed for years through her faithful attendance at Verona Pentecostal Church. Always smiling and encouraging others, Miss Bobbie was born with a speech impediment that made her words so unique and special. She spent her last years at the Courtyard Nursing Center in Fulton before moving to Sanctuary about 3 weeks ago. The family wishes to thank all her caregivers, who fell in love with her beautiful spirit and precious countenance in her sunset years.
A service celebrating her life will take place at 1 PM Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026 in the Sadie Holland Memorial Chapel at Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo with Pastor John McAllister officiating and Steve Holland delivering the eulogy. Private burial will follow in Union Grove Cemetery in the Cason Community of Monroe County. Visitation will be from 11 AM-service time Wednesday only. For those unable to attend, the service may be viewed at hollandfuneraldirectors.com/Live-streaming at 1 PM and will be archived for further review in coming days.
Bobbie is survived by her son, Joel Strickland of Tupelo; her grandson’s including her primary caregiver, Daniel Strickland of Plantersville, Dustin Smith of Plantersville and Brian Kramer; a great grandchild, Aria Kramer; a daughter in law, Judy Strickland Bell, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and other friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of many years, L.J. Vann; her parents and three sons, Homer Strickland, Jackie Strickland and David Strickland.
Holland Funeral Directors-Tupelo is honored to be serving their friends.
