Justine Strickland

On Sunday, November 19, 2023, Justine Strickland passed away at eighty-one. She was a loving wife, a caring mother to her two daughters, and a fantastic grandmother to her grandchildren. Justine was an avid learner who earned a bachelor's degree in education and a master's in early childhood and special education. She devoted forty-five years to making a difference in early childhood and special education in the United States of America. Justine served on numerous government committees for education reform, pioneered the first inclusive preschool in the late 80s on the lower East Side of New York for children with and without special needs, consulted for Head Start, and finished her career as Assistant Commissioner for GA Decal Bright From the Start in Atlanta, Georgia.

Aside from her work, Justine was passionate about politics, gardening, reading, making gourds, and shopping. She was always busy running errands or shopping, earning her the nickname "street rat". In her retirement years, Justine cherished being a grandmother to her grandchildren. She loved being the chauffeur for KK, taking her to and from school, and chatting about technology, politics, and the world, which often turned into heated debates. Her conversations with Niaya were always gentle and soulful, and she looked forward to their morning Facetime calls as Niaya walked to class each day on the University of Miami campus. Always envious of the constant sunshine. Justine enjoyed philosophical discussions with Kyle about life and the world around us.

She is survived by her daughter, Dara Solomon, and her husband, James Solomon, Jr.; her grandchildren, Kyle Strickland, Niaya Solomon, Kaliyah Solomon, and Tony Smith; and son-in-law, Ty Smith. Her sister, Cheryl Ware; sister-in-law, Rosetta Strickland; and many nieces and nephews loved dearly. She is preceded by her husband, Lawrence Strickland, daughter Fela Strickland-Smith; brothers Shadrach Ware, Jr., Stanley Ware, Bobby Ware, George Ware, and Arnold Ware; sisters Alice Hunter, Marion Burton, Ethel Wilkerson, Annie Ware, Latresa “Patty” Beck, and parents, Shadrach Ware and Anna Ashley.

Justine made a lasting impression on everyone she met. Her wisdom, compassion, and kindness live on in so many that she touched.

To View My Other Family Members Memorial Pages:

Lawrence Strickland - /memorial/lawrence-strickland

Fela Strickland-Smith - /memorial/fela-strickland-smith