Elizabeth Rose Strickland passed from this life into the arms of her Christ at South Sunflower County Hospital in Indianola, Mississippi on June 16, 2019, at the age of 94.

Elizabeth (Lib) was born on July 28, 1924 in Augusta, Georgia to the late Dr. Walter H. Rose, Sr. and Florence McNeill Rose. She graduated high school in Augusta, and she concluded her education at Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts in Language & Math and a Master of Science in Geology.  She taught Geology, Paleontology, and Oceanography at Baylor University. During her lifetime she also taught in these same areas at McClendon Community College in Waco, Texas; Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida; Broward Community College and Palm Beach College in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; and Valencia College in Orlando, Florida. She also taught at the University of the West Indies, and Mississippi Delta Community College in Moorhead, Mississippi.

Lib was a woman with a curious mind who was truly a life-long learner. She was a born naturalist and loved archeology and genealogy. She authored many publications in her field of geology. She had a real love for languages, and spoke Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, and Russian.  She often served as an interpreter, especially in Honduras with mission teams. It was on one of these mission trips to Honduras that she met her late husband, Dr. James Strickland of Rocky Top, Tennessee. Together, they served in the Peace Corps in Jamaica before settling back in Boca Raton, Florida.  She was an active member of the St. Thomas Episcopal Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Samuel; her first husband, Sam Davis, Jr.; and her late husband, Dr. James Strickland. She is survived by her daughter, Florence Haley of Ft. Worth, Texas; her daughter, Enzie (Russ) Willet of Huntsville, Alabama; grandchildren, William and Ashton Haley and Emma Willett; her brother, Dr. Walter Henry Rose of Indianola, Mississippi; her brother, Dr. Francis Lewis Rose (Donna) of San Marcos, Texas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A family memorial service will be held later at St. Thomas Episcopal Church. Entombment will be held at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Columbarium. Burton Funeral Home of Indianola has been entrusted with arrangements.

Memorials may be sent to St. Thomas Episcopal Church, 12200 South Bailey Cove East, Huntsville, AL or a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.burtonfuneralhome.net