Barbara Musser Strickland

Barbara M. Strickland

With deep sorrow and love, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Barbara Musser Darley Strickland on March 15, 2026, in Greenville, SC. She was a devoted mom and the heart of our family. Her warmth, kindness, and steady support shaped our lives, always making us feel safe and cherished.

Barbara was born on February 16, 1935, in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Geisinger Memorial Nursing School and went on to build a loving home in Portsmouth, Virginia, where she raised her three daughters with Norman Darley. Barbara dedicated 34 years to her career as a registered nurse at Maryview Hospital, touching countless lives with her compassion and expertise. She was a cherished member of Monumental United Methodist Church and gave generously of her time, volunteering with the Girl Scouts, Meals on Wheels, and numerous other community organizations.

In 2019, Barbara moved to South Carolina to be closer to her family. Friends at Easley First Baptist Church and the staff at NHC Healthcare Greenville welcomed her with open arms and surrounded her with warmth, compassion, and dignity during her final years. Their gentle care and kindness made her days brighter, and their loving embrace was deeply appreciated.

She is survived by her daughters: Debbie Darley Runyon (John) of Summerville, SC; Sharon Darley James (Ted) of Easley, SC; and Sandy Darley Kupetz of Orlando, FL. She is also survived by her stepdaughter-in-law, Cyndi Strickland Cox of Portsmouth, VA. Barbara will be deeply missed by her seven wonderful grandchildren: Michael Runyon, Robert Runyon (Laura), Katherine James Bajsert (Michael), Margaret James Vess (Chad), Allen Jay Kupetz, Leslie Kupetz, and Loren Harvey (Jack). She leaves behind seven great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Barbara was preceded in death by her father, Robert Musser; her mother, Olga Richter Musser; her first husband, Norman L. Darley; her second husband, William L. Strickland; her stepson, Larry Strickland; and her sister, Dorothy M. Fay.

We rejoice in the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ and take comfort knowing that Barbara is now in the loving arms of her Savior. She lived her life as a testament to God’s love and grace. We are grateful for the assurance that, though we grieve her absence, we will one day be reunited with her in God’s heavenly kingdom.

A memorial service will be held in Portsmouth, VA, on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM in the chapel of Sturtevant Funeral Home (5201 Portsmouth Blvd, Portsmouth, VA 23701), followed by a graveside interment at Olive Branch Cemetery in Portsmouth’s City Park. Family and friends are invited to gather for a visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Sturtevant Funeral Home prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made to “Bon Secours Support Caring Nurses”