Linda Strickland Gressel

Linda Strickland Gressel, age 74, of Leland, NC passed away on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at home surrounded by her family.

She was born on September 27, 1947 in Horry County, SC to the late Mack C. Strickland and Clara Belle Cox Strickland.

Linda graduated from Loris High School in Loris, SC and then pursued a career in Cosmetology. She graduated from Troutman’s Beauty School and opened her own Salon on Oct 10, 1979.  She was in business for 40 years when she retired in 2019. Linda married the love of her life, Gary Gressel, on July 3, 1966 and they just celebrated 55 years together this year.

Linda was an active member of Wilmington First Church of the Nazarene, where she served on the Church Board for decades.  She was a Sunday School teacher and youth leader for many years.  The youth during that time still talk about Mrs. Linda and Mr. Gary taking them on so many activities including camping.

Linda had a life-long passion for music and singing. She loved Christmas, especially decorating, cooking and giving to others. Her compassion for others was evident in all she did. Most of all, she loved her family. Her life was a living example of one of her favorite Bible verses, Ephesians 4:32 — “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

Linda is survived by her husband of 55 years, Gary Gressel of Leland, NC; son, Gregory Gressel (Lisa) of Tullahoma, TN; daughter, Priscilla Sykes (Gary) of Leland, NC; grandchildren, Mikayla Gressel, Nicholas Gressel, Clara Powers (Bobby), and Mark Sykes; great-grandchildren, Remington Powers, Rowhena Powers, and Razel Powers due in December; sister-in-law, Carolyn Strickland O’Quinn; and several nieces and nephews.

Linda was preceded in death by her parents, Mack C. Strickland and Clara Belle Cox Strickland; sisters, Eula Prince and Etheleen Strickland; and brothers, Lester Strickland, Liston Strickland, Marion Clarence Strickland, Charles Strickland, Jack Edwin Strickland, and Gene Strickland.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 3, 2021 between 4pm and 6pm at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Wilmington. A funeral service will be held at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Wilmington on Monday, October 4, 2021 at 11am with Pastor Derrell Clark officiating. Burial will follow the service at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Wilmington.

Pallbearers will include Nicholas Gressel, Mark Sykes, Bobby Powers, Warren Housand, Robert Sykes, and Carl Davis.

Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family by selecting Tribute Wall above.

Quinn McGowen Funeral Home – Wilmington

910-794-7171

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