Black Oak- Melda Jean Strickland, 82, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2013. She was born December 10, 1930 to the late Clifford and Bonnie Young. Ms. Melda taught school for many years in the Black Oak and Monette and also in Missouri. She was a lifelong member of the Monette First United Methodist Church. She is survived by many friends and family. Melda often said, "Russ and I never had any children of our own but we were blessed with more children than anyone". She was also preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Russell Strickland. A celebration of her life will be Thursday, December 5, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gregg Funeral Home Chapel in Monette with Rev. Jerry Reed officiating. There will be no visitation and burial will be private. The family requests lasting memorials to the Arkansas Children\u0027s Hospital, St. Jude\u0027s Children Hospital or Monette Methodist Youth Fellowship, P.O. Box 95, Monette, AR 72447 A special thank you to all the employees of Jonesboro Healthcare Center and to all that visited and brought food!!!