Emily Amelia O’Stricker

BARNWELL - A funeral service for Mrs. Emily Amelia O’Stricker of Barnwell, South Carolina was held at 11:00 ante meridian, Saturday, August 31, 2024 from the Ned Branch Missionary Baptist Church, 10620 Dunbarton Blvd., Barnwell, S.C., with burial in the family plot at Union Missionary Baptist Church, Barnwell, S.C.

Emily Amelia O’Stricker passed away on August 24, 2024 at the age of 83 years after a brief illness.

She was born on January 11, 1941, in Barnwell County, S.C., to Deacon Bryant and Mrs. Ollie Mae Odom Williamson.

Emily attended Barnwell High School and Metropolitan School of Mother and Infant Birth, located in New York City. She earned her certification as a licensed practical nurse, and she practiced nursing for eight years in the private duty sector. She continued her professional career working as a mental health behavior specialist/supervisor for eighteen years. 

After relocating to South Carolina, Emily served in the food service industry. She worked for the Clemson Extension Nutrition Department. Her years of experience led to her becoming an entrepreneur owning a successful catering, wedding planner and florist business. She retired as a boutique owner specializing in female clothing and accessories. 

She also served in her community working with the 4-H youth committee. 4-H provides kids with community, mentors, and learning opportunities to develop the skills they need to create positive change in their lives. Additionally, she served on the Barnwell High School advisory board for two years and the museum board for five years.

Emily was extremely gifted and talented; she absolutely loved to create beautiful floral arrangements and was an amazing cook. Her pleasant personality and beautiful smile will always be remembered. While she enjoyed entertaining and having guests at her home, her greatest pleasure was being surrounded by her family.

Emily was preceded in death by her parents, Bryant and Ollie Williamson; siblings, Mr. Herman Williamson; Mr. Barney and spouse Dorothy Williamson; sister, Ms. Cora Williamson; brother, Mr. Willie and spouse Leevador Williamson; brother, Mr. Hayward (HD) Williamson; sister, Ms. Georgia Mae Brown; brothers, Mr. Lawyer Williamson; Mr. Paul and spouse Linda Williamson; and sister, Ms. Diane Williamson Myers; and her favorite aunt, Ms. Mattie Williamson Brown.

She leaves her legacy to her surviving children from the union with Mr. Winston O’Stricker, she leaves five children – daughters - Mrs. Marilyn O’Stricker (George) Mixon, Ms. Wendy O’Stricker, Mrs. Kimberly O’Stricker (Michael) Johnson;  sons - Mr. Winston (Shannon) O’Stricker Jr., Mr. Dale O’Stricker. She is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, Lance (Lauren) O’Stricker, Deshawn Hall, Michael Johnson Jr., Winston O’Stricker III, Matthew O’Stricker, Aden O’Stricker and Nicholas O’Stricker, Tiffany Johnson Hill, Angela Johnson; four great-grandchildren, Landon O’Stricker, Tasia Hill, Jalen Hill and Taylor Hill; siblings - Ms. Kay Eubanks; Mrs. Lena (Flemon) Buggs; Mr. Handy (Melanie) Williamson; Mrs. Mary (Carl) Adams and a host of nieces, nephews, and  friends.

It was Emily’s desire to acknowledge the following friends whom she cherished and greatly appreciated. The Smith family; the Walker family; the Bell family; the Guinyard family; the Myers family; the Crawford family; the Hankerson family, the Snellings family, the Bush family, also a long and devoted companion, Theodore (Teddy) Hankerson.

Guinyard and Sons Funeral Home of Barnwell was in charge of arrangements.