Linda Elaine Patterson Strickland

Linda Elaine Strickland, wife of Thad O. Strickland, passed away surrounded by her family on July 13, 2026. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend and will be deeply missed.

Born in 1942 to Guy Howell and Lalla Rookh Barrett Patterson, Elaine was the youngest of four daughters and grew up in Atlanta. She graduated from North Fulton High School in 1960 and met the love of her life, Thad, in 1963. They married in 1966. Thad’s career in engineering and construction took them from Atlanta to Kingsport, TN; Freeport, TX; and eventually to Spartanburg, SC, in 1972.

Her grandchildren were Elaine’s pride and joy. “DeDe” took much delight in their adventures and achievements, attending many sporting events, school plays, and concerts before her health declined. She loved making them happy and enjoyed creating much-loved family traditions, such as the annual trip to Pawleys Island, July 4th celebrations at Lake Hartwell, and the party on Christmas Eve.

Elaine was a partner in TN Construction, Inc., the business she and Thad operated for more than 40 years. When work allowed, they could be found enjoying time at their lake home or traveling.

In addition to her husband of 60 years, Thad, Elaine is survived by her daughters, Melissa Sullivan (Tim) and Angie Brothers; her grandchildren, Timothy Sullivan, Rookhie Sullivan, Laney Brothers, and Reese Sullivan; her sister, Dorothy P. Wilson of Marietta, GA; her sisters-in-law, Nancy S. Shapland of Spartanburg, SC, and Mary Payne of Millen, GA; and many nieces and nephews.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters, Doris P. Wilson and Sue P. Vickery; and her brothers-in-law.

The family is extremely grateful for the nurses and caregivers who made the last year of Elaine’s life more comfortable: Megan, Mary, Nikki, Jessica, Gabby, Hannah, and Tayler.

Visitation will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg, where she was a member for 52 years, at 1:00 p.m. on August 1, 2026. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hatcher Gardens, P.O. Box 2337, Spartanburg, SC 29304, info@hatchergarden.org, or to the charity of one’s choice