Brenda “Nana” Baker Strickland, of Cleveland, joined her heavenly family in the early morning of September 28, 2021. She was born in Bradley County on the Fourth of July, 1951 and was a “firecracker” her entire life.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sarah Pierce Baker and Ralph Junior Baker; and her brothers, Ralph Franklin “Frankie” Baker and Gary Wayne Baker.
She is survived by a loving family, including her daughter, Gena Strickland (Mike Newman); her son, Sonny Strickland; her brother, Larry Rector (Deanna); her sisters, Leslie Montgomery and Anita Pike, of Kentucky; her grandchildren, Kayla Piper Brown (Cameron Brown), Tahnie Strickland (Gregg Johnson), Myrakle Strickland, Drew Newman and Taylor Newman (Autumn); her great-grandchildren, Trenton Brown, Layla Johnson, Ruby Ray Johnson and Cooper Newman; her niece, Phebe Amanda Baker; and great-nephew, Dakkota Baker.
Brenda had a contagious personality. Everyone was family to her, and she never met a stranger. She was fierce in her beliefs and was a “jack of all trades” when it came to careers. She constantly reinvented herself. She had many loves throughout her life and each one was special to her. Brenda had a passion for playing piano, all things music, playing Texas Hold 'em, classic cars, antiquities and spending time with her loved ones. She enjoyed cooking for everyone and enjoyed helping others. She had an infectious laugh and a big heart that was so full of love and life.
We will be celebrating and remembering Brenda on Tuesday, Oct. 5 from 4-7 p.m. at Companion Funeral Home in Cleveland, with a service starting at 7 p.m. We encourage everyone to come and share their stories and memories of Brenda with our family. The family is requesting that you send pictures, stories and videos of Brenda so that we can continue to celebrate her always.