Darlene Strickland, daughter of the late Johnny and Beulah M. (Wright) Watkins was born March 12, 1958, in Newport News, VA where she grew up and attended school. She graduated from Menchville High School in 1976. After high school she began working for the Bendix Corporation. She met and married her late Husband Lee Strickland, Sr. in 1982. After 1990 she began working for Federal Mogul where she dedicated 18 years of loyal service. Darlene embarked on a new career with the Newport News City Jail for several years. Her passion for helping others would eventually lead her to serving as a Home Health Caregiver. Until November of 2025 she was an employee of Newport News Public Schools.

Darlene accepted Christ at an early age and attended New Grafton Baptist Church in Newport News, Va and recently was attending Coastal Church. She found immense joy in spending time with family and friends, creating cherished memories and nurturing those she loved. She was a testament to strength, resilience and devotion.

On May 17th, 2026, Darlene transitioned peacefully to eternal rest at Riverside Regional Medical Center, joining her mother and father as well as her beloved siblings: brother Anthony M. Adkinson, Sr. and her sister Sabrina Hardy. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and friend. She leaves to honor and cherish her memory her devoted partner of 30 plus years, Leon R. Harris, her two children Lee Strickland, Jr. (Monique) and Corey Eugene Strickland and her grandson Lee Elijah Strickland, her boopboop.

Darlene’s legacy continues through her siblings Julia Dawson, Keith Watkins (Delona), Andre Watkins (Veverly), Timmy Watkins and Tony Watkins. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. She also leaves to mourn special friends Flo Brown, Jody Scott and Deborah Williamson-Melton.

It is the desire of Strickland family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Mrs. Darlene Strickland has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.