Margaretta Chantay Strickland

09/05/1967 - 07/05/2024

Obituary For Margaretta Chantay Strickland

Margaretta Chantay Strickland, 56, of Eden, NC passed Friday, July 5, 2024. Public viewing will be held Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Perry Spencer Funeral Home,511 Henry St. Eden, NC. Funeral service will be held in the auditorium of Morehead High School,134 N. Pierce St., Eden, NC. Visitation will be held from 12 noon - 1:00 p.m. with the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Hamlin Cemetery, 647 Creekridge Rd., Eden, NC.

The family SUGGESTED (but not required) to wear Orange (for basketball); Duke Blue - (for her favorite team) OR Yellow (for her favorite sunflowers).

………SERVICE WILL BE LIVESTREAMED………

Margaretta Chantay Strickland peacefully departed this life on Friday, July 5, 2024 at her home on Forest Rd., Eden, NC. She was born on September 5, 1968, in Newark, NJ, the beloved daughter of the late Rev. Thomas J. Strickland and EVG. Eva Strickland. She was preceded in death by her father and her paternal grandparents, Thomas Jefferson and Purcell Strickland, as well as her maternal grandparents, Frederick and Eva. L. Garland, along with several cherished aunts and uncles.

“Chantay” as she was affectionately called gave her life to Christ at an early age. Growing up in a Christian household fostered her love for God which manifested into her faithful service throughout her life. Chantay began her education in the Union Township Public School System in Union, NJ, where she became renowned for her athleticism, notably as a trailblazer as the first female football player for the Union Rams and later as a standout in cheering, soccer, softball and basketball, earning her the nickname “Swoosh”. She graduated from Union High School in 1986 and continued to pursue her passion for athletics at North Carolina Central University and University of North Carolina Pembroke, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education. During her time there, she became a proud member of the Que Essence Sorority.

Chantay was a well loved and dedicated teacher and coach at John Motley Morehead High School, where she coached girl's basketball, volleyball and softball. She love and nurtured her students as if they were her own and devoted countless hours to them beyond the classroom, gym and field.

In addition to her athletic prowess and teaching career, Chantay was gifted with a beautiful voice, often called upon to perform the National Anthem at various events, including schools, state championships and for Duke University, her favorite collegiate team and a school she held dear.

A faithful member of Chain Breakers Church in Eden, NC, Chantay served joyfully on the Praise Team, Hospitality Committee and as a Greeter, embodying her willingness to serve wherever needed with her voice, warm smile and sense of humor that will be missed by all.

In her leisure time, one of Chantays many hobbies consisted of traveling the world. She was blessed to see a number of countries including Jamaica, Costa Rica, Mexico, Barbados, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Antiqua, Virgin Islands, St. Maarten, Dominican Republic and a vast number of cities in the US. Her adventurous spirit and zest for life touched all who knew her. Additionally, the family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Mrs. Rhonda Teaque, Mrs. Tasha Hensley and members of the church for providing care for her mother and sister during her travels and times of need.

Chantay leaves to cherish her memory: her mother, Eva Strickland of the home, two sons, Antonio Strickland (Jessica) of Eden, NC and Stefan McLauglin of the home. One brother; Thomas M. Strickland, Jr. of Durham, NC, one sister, Montsho “Urbi” Strickland of the home. Her paternal uncle, James Edward Strickland (Mattie) of Lake Waccamaw, her maternal aunt, Margaretta Gerrell of Atlanta, GA, a host of cousins, many friends, colleague and students.

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