Mary Strain

Mrs. Mary Burkett Strain passed away suddenly after a short fight with and aggressive cancer in Gainesville, GA on January 16, 2013 at the age of 71. Mary is survived by he loving husband of 45 years, Doug Strain. They were married in Decatur, GA on June 14, 1967.
Mary is lovingly remembered by children Scott (Lois) Strain, of Charlotte, NC, Susan (David) Mockert, of Madison, WI and Andy (Lisa) Strain of Atlanta, GA, grandchildren Sam (13), Mollie (9) and Julia (8) Mockert, Elizabeth ((10) and Thomas (8) Strain, and Patrick “Patch” (1 ½ months) Strain, older sister, Julia Caddell and younger brother Ed (Joanne) Burkett, along with numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Mary was born in Birmingham, AL on April 18 1941 to the late Edmund and Earlene (Lewellen) Burkett. She attended Avondale Elementary, Woodlawn High and Birmingham Southern College before moving to Atlanta, GA to teach elementary school. At  Westchester Elementary, she met the principal’s son who became the love of her life.
Mary loved teaching, music, reading and gardening and spread her passion for these to many others. Above all, Mary loved her family. Mary found special joy in her grandchildren and she was and will continue to be the light of their lives.
She lived. She laughed. She loved. And we will love her forever. Thank you, Mary, Sweetie, Sissy, Mama, Mimi and Mom
Visitation will be held on January 18, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00PM from the chapel of Banister Funeral Home. Funeral services will be at Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church in Young Harris, GA on Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 1:00PM with Rev. David Tinsley officiating. A memorial service will be held at Elmwood Cemetery & Mausoleum in Birmingham, AL on Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 2:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Sharp Memorial United Methodist Church Capital Fund or the George W. and Naomi Hamilton Lectureship Series at Young Harris College. Banister Funeral Home of Hiawassee in charge of arrangements.