Esther Strickland Cribb Wagner: Cerro Gordo

1943 – 2020

     Esther Strickland Cribb Wagner of Cerro Gordo died Thursday, Sept. 3, in Rowan Medical Center, Salisbury. She was 77.

     Born April 29, 1943 in Columbus County, she was the daughter of the late Lou Belle Strickland.

     She is survived by one son, Terry Cribb of Thomasville; two daughters, Rhonda Fipps of Whiteville and Edna Cribb of Concord; a sister, Eva Nell Sellers of Tabor City; five grandchildren; and six great grandchildren.

     In addition to her mother, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Willa Koonts; and two brothers, Wendale Strickland and Kelly Ray Strickland.

     Esther suffered from dementia for several years, but eventually lost her life to COVID-19. To some, she is now a statistic in a worldwide pandemic.

     She was much more than a statistic though, she was a mother, a grandmother, great-grandmother and sister. She was a hard worker, determined, strong, stubborn and courageous. She loved her family, friends, God, bingo, cards and country music.

     It’s not about her birth – death dates. It’s all about THE DASH. The years in between those two dates. The years she grew, learned, worked, lived and loved. Those of us who knew and loved her know most exactly what that little dash is worth.

     Because of COVID-19, family was forced to stay away from her to not risk her getting this horrible disease. Because of COVID-19, family was unable to be by her bedside in her last days. Because of COVID-19 she did not get the time and attention nor the memorial she so rightly deserved.

     This is a very real virus affecting very real people.

     A graveside memorial service was planned for 1 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 6, in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

     Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, social distancing will be observed and a mask is required for all who attend.

     In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you do your part. Wear a mask. Help save someone else’s life. If one person had worn a mask in the chain of infection leading to Esther, you would not be reading this obituary.

     A guest register is available here.