Minnie Lee Strickland was born August 30, 1931, to the late Willie Edward (Love Byrd) and Minnie Lee Byrd in Statesboro, Georgia. She came from a large family of five brothers and three sisters, with Minnie being the youngest of the family. She attended public school in Hamilton County. She was a dedicated member of Greater Poplar Springs Baptist Church and served faithfully as a Deaconess and a choir member. She loved the Lord and gave him praise. She was also a member of the Hamilton County Mass Choir under the leadership of Dr. Phillip Combs for many years. She was the epitome of the saying "she was a sharp dresser with hats to match."

She leaves to mourn her passing one daughter: Bonnie Jean Raiford of Valdosta, Georgia; one son: Antonius Lorenzo Strickland, Sr. (and a furry son by the name of "Archie" who was her baby and
very Loyal friend); five grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; a
devoted friend: Mrs. Cheryl Wright of Belleville, Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews, and sorrowing friends.