Willie Louise Strickland Clements
of Frierson, Louisiana
passed away on January 18th, 2022.


"Lu" "Barbara" "Mama" "Grandma"

Saying my final goodbye to a woman who sacrificed it all to better the lives of her children, giving it all up so her children could have more. Such a large heart, such a tender soul, going through life with laughs, smiles, and grace. Setting the best example as a mother and friend, she only saw the best in people and never their flaws. She always forgave everyone, a lesson she tried to teach her children. "The forgiveness you give on Earth, you will one day seek for yourself in Heaven."

My mother was called by many names. She was born and named Willie Louise Strickland on March 19th, 1945 in Shreveport, Louisiana. She was named Willie after her mother's father. As a young child, she was called "Lu" by her parents and siblings. Her younger siblings would call her Louise. My mother said she always dreamed that she was a famous actress named "Barbara." Later in her life, her husband and friends all called her Barbara. She said that she always regretted that she never got around to legally changing her name to Barbara. The name she loved the best was "Mama," and then later "Grandma."

"Soul Mates"
I read in a book once about soul families and soul mates, that our souls knew each other from before when we lived with our Heavenly Father and that we follow each other from one life to another, always staying together as we continue to learn life lessons. Mom was more than a mother to her children. I look forward to seeing her again. I will follow her through all time and space, she is to me and my sister as she was to all children who called her "Mama" and "Grandma." My soul mate.

Mama made her living as a nurse' aid and private sitter. She enjoyed working with the elderly and sick. Being a loving caregiver just came so natural to her. She later retired from Schumpert/St. Mary's.

My late husband Tommy, my children, Autumn and Cheyenne Brown, and myself lived, loved and were caregiver to my mother for eighteen years. The last eight years after a fall she was a bed patient. It was never a burden, but an honor and pleasure to be there for her. She didn't want to need us, but she did need us and she thanked us and was so grateful for the time and love we gave her. I am thankful for the love she gave us and my 54 years being her daughter. I saw her almost every day of my life and when I couldn't go see her, I always called Mom.

Love, Judy.


Mama was preceded in death by her parents Parick Henry and Maudie Laurina Strickland, who she cherished, her husband James Ray Clements, Children: Patricia Ann Dickerson (Denise Wallace) and Patricia's son Shane, Michael Lee Wallace, son-in-laws: Tommy Wayne Brown and Johnny Fred Jones, mother-in-law: Rosie Clements, father-in-law: Charles Emmet Clements, brothers: Price and John Cooper, James Patrick and Roy Strickland, Sisters: Mary Jane Bondick, Peggy Free, Shirley Jean Dickerson, Brothers-in-law: Earnest Moore, Michael Ferguson, Joe Bondick, Dennis Clements, Sister-in-law: Charlene Pense, Mertis Clements, nieces and nephews: Larry Daniels, Kayla Strickland, Bobby Nichols, and special niece Kimberly Moore, special friends: Caroline and Almon G. Dowden, and Robin Dowden.

Mama is survived by daughters: Judy Brown, Billie (Charles) Maggard, Velma (Ricky) Martin, son: Clifford Wallace, sisters: Laura Marie Ferguson, Rebecca (David) Carpenter, Velma Moore, Thelma (Rutilo) Romero-Gaona, special brother: Marvin (Marin) Strickland, my mother loved him like a brother and son. Sisters-in-laws: Rita Strickland, Peggy Madden and Kathleen Ross, brother-in-laws: Bill Clements, Richard Dickerson, and Ty Free, Grandchildren: Autumn Brown, Cheyenne Brown, Patrick (April) Harris, Cassie Harris, Steven Clements, Megan Clements, David Roofer Jr, Johnna Land, Chelsea Anderson, Zoey Jones, Cameron Jones, Jessica Kovacs, Adrian Wallace, Christopher Wallace, and Nick Wallace, and many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Special mention for my cousin Jenny Strickland, who my mom loved as a daughter, friend, and riding partner in crime. Family friends Ozie Miller, Roxanne Brown, Kathy Turner, David Roofner and Robert Beard. My mother loved you all.