Obituary

Judy Graham Strickland passed away peacefully at home on February 13th, 2023.

Judy Gail Graham was born on May 22nd, 1943 in Plainview, Texas to Madeleine (nee Golden) and H. Ervin Graham. She graduated from Plainview High School in 1961 and studied at Texas Tech University. She married in 1962 and was a wonderful mother to her three children. The family moved from Plainview to South Dakota in 1980, where all three children graduated from high school. As the daughter of a rancher, Judy was no stranger to the agrarian lifestyle and was quickly embraced by the small farming community of Onida, South Dakota. After moving back to Texas, she served on the Texas State Board of Education, where she was a strong advocate for reform in the Texas public school system. Her favorite role, however, was being Mimi to her six grandchildren, whom she loved dearly and shared countless special memories with over the years. Judy was beyond proud of her children and grandchildren and would talk about them at every opportunity.

Judy’s family and friends remember her unrivaled wit, graciousness, and tender heart. She loved the Lord with her entire being and would minister to others often. Judy remained a faithful servant throughout her life and was a great inspiration to all who knew her.

Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Madeleine and H. Ervin Graham, brothers, Mike and Johnny, and daughter, Dr. Deidi Ann Bergestuen.

Survivors: Son, Dr. Michael Strickland and wife Dr. Gina Melink, daughter, Kären Strickland Lee and husband David, son-in-law Trond Bergestuen, and her six grandchildren: Caroline, Kaitlyn, Madeleine, Silje, Hannah, and Austin.

Judy’s funeral will be held at the Lemons Funeral Home Memorial Chapel (lemonsfunerals.com) in Plainview (206 W 8th Street) on February 20th at 2 pm. Visitation will be held at 9 am until 1 pm at Lemons Funeral Home the day of the Funeral. Burial will follow at Plainview Memorial Park (104 Joliet St).