Dianne Strickland, 73 of McCaysville went to her heavenly home surrounded by her loving family on March 20, 2019. Mrs. Strickland was a very involved member of Epworth First Baptist Church and loved to travel with the youth group as often as she could. She loved her family very much especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She treasured each and every moment of life and was a very devout Christian wife, mom and grandma to her entire family. She retired from Ocoee Animal Hospital and had a great love for animals especially rescue animals which often found their way into her home and heart. Mrs. Strickland is survived by her husband of 53 years, Willard Strickland of McCaysville; daughters Stephanie (Ryan) Beckett of Acworth, Christy (Patrick) Chastain of Athens, Jennifer (Gary) Farmer of McCaysville, and Amy (Kevin) Harper of Ellijay; sister Charlene Gunter of McCaysville; 10 grandchildren; 6 great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews survive as well. The funeral service was at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at First Baptist Church, Epworth, GA. Dr. Tom Jordan, Rev. Chris Clark, Rev. Keith Allen, and Rev. Scott Mathis officiated. Music was by Tammie Mason, Adam Farmer and First Baptist Church of Epworth Gospel Trio. Interment followed in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, Mrs. Strickland requested donations be made to " In The Light " Youth Ministries C/O First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 187, Epworth, GA. 30541. Condolences may be sent to the family online at akinsfuneralhome.com. Akins Funeral Home of Blue Ridge was in charge of the arrangements. . Visitation Akins Funeral Home - Blue Ridge Friday, March 22, 2019 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM 7871 Blue Ridge DriveBlue Ridge, Georgia 30513 Directions Funeral Service First Baptist Church of Epworth Saturday, March 23, 2019 2:00 PM 447 Madola RdEpworth, GA 30541 Mrs. Strickland will lie in state at the church from 1:00 PM to the funeral hour of 2:00 PM Directions