Mary Kay Strickland

On February 9th, 2024 Mary Kay Strickland Schlenk passed unexpectedly and went to meet her savior. She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Elizabeth 'Liz' Strickland, husband, Philip Schlenk, step daughters Morgan Spikard, Michelle Schlenk, Brynly Phan, stepson Michael Schlenk, two grandsons Timothy and Matthew Spikard, brother Travis James 'Ooty' Ouzts, sister Kathryn Elizabeth 'Kathy' Corley, and brother-in-law Wayne Corley. Mary Kay led a vibrant life, always the life of the party (until about 8PM). She was a beautiful bright light and touched so many peoples’ lives. Above everything else (except Jesus), Mary Kay loved being on the water, a passion instilled in her from an early age by her father, an avid fisherman whom she admired more than anyone else on this planet. Whether it was attending swim team meets at her community pool growing up or learning to water ski on Lake Lanier, her happy place was always, and will forever be, on the water. Apart from her daddy, her brother Ooty and sister Kathy were two of the most influential and important people to her growing up. Her and her brother were just close enough in age to enjoy their teenage years together. Mary Kay and her sister were 10 years apart, but her sister was her rock and role model from the start. Incredibly driven, Mary Kay graduated from high school at the young age of 16, starting college while living with Kathy and her brother-in-law, Wayne. Mary Kay's career in hospitality, selling handwoven carpets to luxury hotels for over 30 years, was marked by significant achievements, from contributing to the GA Dome, home of her Atlanta Falcons, the "Dirty Birds," to the JW Marriott, featuring the largest ballroom in the Middle East at the time. But if you were to ask her what her biggest accomplishment was she would say the life long friendships she cultivated throughout her career. Always knowing she belonged on the water, Mary Kay cherished Panama City beach trips in her 20s, special Lake Burton trips with dear friends, and buying her first boat with her husband at the time, Stan on Lake Lanier. She became a full-fledged parrot head, creating her very own redneck yacht club. Mary Kay and Stan Strickland were married for 25 years, and from that marriage, she was blessed with one of her most proud accomplishments in life, her daughter, Liz. Mary Kay loved her little girl more than anything in the world. They had an unbreakable bond that was so apparent to anyone they met, and often referred to themselves as the real life Gilmore Girls. On April 7th, 2018, Phil and Mary Kay were married and shared a fairy tale kind of love. From bonding over their two previous marriages and their love for Aerosmith’s “Dream On” on their very first date, it was apparent they were meant to be. In true Mary Kay fashion, she quickly prioritized finding a place on the water for her and Phil. After dating for a few months, they purchased the lake trailer property together and began creating their “ever after” together on Lake Sinclair. After several years of splitting their time between their house in Lawrenceville and the lake trailer, the two decided to make their final move to the lake, building their dream home where they had planned to spend the rest of their lives together. The house became an oasis for their family and friends to create lifelong memories, fondly referred to as “Sunrise Shores” by her and Phil. Mary Kay loved her life with Phil on Lake Sinclair, and often referred to it as her paradise on earth. From golf cart rides with her beloved dogs, to the weekly Thursday night sunset cruises with their neighbors, it was always 5 0’clock somewhere. Mary Kay loved Jesus, and wanted everyone she came in contact with to know and love him just as much as she did. She especially loved sharing her love for Jesus with her two grandsons, Timothy and Matthew. This past summer when she had her grandbabies visit her at the lake, she was sure to do bible study with them every day. It brought her so much joy to share her love for Jesus Christ with the boys. Mary Kay had a spirit that drew people together and she loved life to the fullest. Her laughter was infectious, a testament to her belief that 'If we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane’. She will forever be missed. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 3 PM in the Chapel of Williams Funeral Home in Milledgeville with Pastor Jonathon Dawson officiating. The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home from 2PM until the Service Hour on Thursday. In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue Foundation, P.O. Box 1032; Milledgeville, GA 31059 The Celebration of Life Service will be Livestreamed on our website for those unable to attend.

Mary Kay Strickland

November 27, 1962 - February 9, 2024