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Hannah Strickland Obituary
Born in Monterey, California, Hannah moved with her family to Columbia, SC in 1994. She was homeschooled through high school, and then attended the College of Charleston, majoring in technical theatre, with minors in vocal performance and Russian.
She received numerous awards at College of Charleston, beginning in 2009 with the Student Activism and Leadership Achievement (SALA) New Student Leader Award. From College of Charleston's School of the Arts, she received the Center Stage Award in 2011, followed by multiple awards in 2012, including the John Olbrych Award for Excellence in Design, Maria Alicia Elfe Award for Theater, Outstanding Student Award, and Department of Theatre Faculty Award of Merit. One professor described Hannah as "the student you never wanted to graduate-the light of the department." At College of Charleston, Hannah also was a vital part of The Journey, a Christian college outreach ministry whose activities enhanced her own lifelong spiritual journey.
May 2012 marked the completion of her studies at College of Charleston. She was professionally engaged in Charleston in stage management and production design, gaining experience in local theater groups and venues. Among these were Center Stage, Actors' Theatre of South Carolina performances at the Dock Street Theater, Village Repertory Company at Woolfe Street Playhouse, Footlight Players, Piccolo Spoleto Festival, and North Charleston Performing Arts Center.
Hannah's life adventures included travel to Israel, Jordan, Portugal, Italy, and France, as well as within the United States. She relocated last fall to Chicago to pursue her technical theatre career interests. She was initially employed at Chicago Shakespeare Theater before accepting a position as part of the administrative and production staff at Strawdog Theatre Company.
In December 2013, on a trip to New York City, Hannah reveled in live music performances, Central Park, the Rockefeller Tree, and other sights, sharing these with a friend since childhood, who she was visiting. About the experience of initially seeing Hannah in the city, her NY host reported she saw "the smallest girl in the park running towards me, with the fiercest love and the widest embrace, and I knew it was her, my Hannah!"
Other friends similarly lamented, "Hope we can all learn to smile and hug one another the Hannah way." Known for her sweet gentleness, Hannah was described as loving without condition. She was also renowned for her pureness of heart and the genuineness of her care and affection.
Hannah was widely recognized because of her bright, infectious smile and the positive effect she had on people and the world around her. That was true virtually wherever she went. Bobbing in the waves, completely at peace with the world, Hannah's joyful encouragement and shining countenance could lead a surf buddy lacking motivation out to enjoy an early morning's exertion. Whether paddling out at Isle of Palms, or serving over three years as a popular barista in Charleston at Saffron and at Starbucks, or following her professional calling to work on stage, or simply serving the homeless, Hannah brought warmth, cheer, and kindness.
Hannah was a responsible individual with a strong work ethic, a highly creative and multi-talented person. She had an adventurous spirit and a delightful and quirky sense of humor. She was beautiful inside and out.
Physically burdened with Crohn's from a young age, Hannah was grateful for health and life. In her brief time on earth, Hannah lived passionately, developing many diverse interests and abilities. She valued times of solitude spent reading, journaling, or playing piano. She loved sharing activities with friends and family, ranging from camping to volleyball to hiking favorite spots in the Great Smoky Mountains and elsewhere. She celebrated life with a wide variety of solo and shared activities, including painting, dancing, watching movies, listening to live music, gardening, and cooking. And she loved ketchup and a good joke!
Hannah also loved singing and had been a member of the Greater Columbia Children's Choir. She was a songbird in the home, from the time of her growing-up years. Her lilting soprano filled a house with beauty-a fitting preview of her next role in a Heavenly choir.
Hannah is survived by her father, J. Ray Strickland of Irmo, SC; mother, Charlotte Rozier Manis, and stepfather, Michael Manis, Fort Mill, SC; sister, Karin Strickland, Pisgah Forest, NC; sister, Allison Strickland Papadopoulos, brother-in-law, Anthony Papadopoulos, and nephew, Demetrios Papadopoulos, all of Charleston, SC. She is survived by grandparents Ralph R. Rozier of Cayce, SC; and Dallas and Merle Manis of Hilton, SC. A very large extended family of beloved and loving aunts, uncles, and cousins also mourn Hannah's death. She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents, Naomi and Johnny Ray Strickland, and maternal grandmother, Rebecca Tromp Rozier.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Thompson Funeral Home, 4720 Augusta Rd, Lexington, SC. A Celebration of Life service will be held Wednesday, July 9 at 11 a.m. at Washington Street United Methodist Church, 1401 Washington St, Columbia, SC.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the College of Charleston Department of Theatre and Dance, Attn: Theatre Fund - In Memory of Hannah Strickland, 66 George Street, Charleston, SC 29424; or online at http://theatre.cofc.edu/about-the-department/your-support.php (choose "Other" and type "R231 Theatre Fund - In Memory of Hannah Strickland"). Alternatively, contributions may be made to The Journey, a ministry at College of Charleston, http://charlestonjourney.org; attention of Colin Kerr.
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones."-Psalm 116:15
Family and friends may sign on-line guest book at: www.thompsonsfuneral.com Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Hannah Strickland
Sponsored by Hannah's family.
Mae Collier
September 13, 2014
Hannah,
I thought of you with love today but that is nothing new, I thought about you yesterday and days before that too. I think of you in silence I often speak your name, all I have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is my keepsake with which I'll never part. - God has you in His keeping I have you in my heart. My Dearest Hannah you are so Loved.
Ms. Mae
Mae Collier
September 12, 2014
“What moves through us is a silence, a quiet sadness, a longing for one more day, one more word, one more touch, we may not understand why you left this earth so soon, or why you left before we were ready to say good-bye, but little by little, we begin to remember not just that you died, but that you lived. And that your life gave us memories too beautiful to forget.” I will always keep you in my heart now and forever. Until we meet Again, keep smiling. Love Always Your Dearest Friend Mae!
Brenda Pully Dean
July 12, 2014
Though I never met Hannah, certainly the "genes" of talent manifested in her had roots from her grandfather, Ralph Rozier, who has graced the Eau Claire Music Club with many performances throughout his career as organist. All of the membership join with me in expressing our sympathy for this unspeakable loss with Hannah's passing. She was indeed a bright and beautiful young lady and well-spoken of by many.
Mari Dehmler
July 11, 2014
I love Hannah! And it's so hard to believe she's gone on ahead. I treasure my last communication from her--a message of love she sent 6/24/14 as a DM on Twitter, thanking me for a postcard I'd mailed 6/17.
From Hannah's baby and little girl days in Monterey to her visit with Sierra in New York last December, we are so grateful for the times we had, and we treasure those memories.
Hannah, what I wrote on the card is still true: "The love and friendship continue. You are precious to us!"
Kim Derrick
July 10, 2014
I am so saddened to hear of Hannah's passing! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Anita Deely
July 9, 2014
Hannah was such a great part of our Strawdog Theatre family and we miss her very much.
Shannon Hoag Hamman - Strawdog Theatre Company
July 9, 2014
Hannah was such a bright, beautiful light. We treasured her greatly as part of our Strawdog Theatre Company family. Prayers of love, comfort and peace to her family. Her beautiful light and genuine warmth were a gift to all who were blessed enough to meet her and she will never be forgotten.
July 9, 2014
What a lovely, accomplished young lady! She has already made her mark on the world. My sympathy to her family and friends.
Audrey Welch, Eau Claire Music Club member and past president, Columbia, S. C.
Josh Sobel
July 8, 2014
I remember having the most wonderful first chat with her sitting outside the Strawdog Theatre Company? Main Stage, just talking about how to build a theatre design career in Chicago, about the kind of work that excites her, about what brought her here from SC. Always so sweet, gracious, focused, willing to help carry ridiculous suitcases up stairs, punchy in the best and most endearing way, really a wonderful soul. Still not quite comprehending that I won't see you smiling around Strawdog anymore. Sending only good vibes to Hannah's family and loved ones.
Kathleen
July 8, 2014
What a sad loss. I am so very sorry. I learned of Hannah's death from a dear friend -- it turns out that I had actually met her briefly, when I saw his award winning production that she helped stage in Chicago. In your sorrow, please know that your beautiful daughter, sister, friend touched many many people in her all-too brief and truly generous life. Peace to you.
Kat McDonnell
July 8, 2014
Love and peace to Hannah and her family. Hannah's theater family is heart-broken at this loss. She touched so many and we will miss her.
Hilary Holbrook
July 8, 2014
Hannah was always a bright spot for me while working at Strawdog. Her warm, welcoming smile always filled my heart with such joy. My deepest condolences to you all.
Kyle Gibson
July 8, 2014
Sending all my thoughts and prayers to Hannah's entire family. As part of her theatre family, I know her beaming smile and infectious joy will always remain in my heart and yours.
Susan Crain
July 8, 2014
Dear Charlotte and Mike,
May The Lord hold you near during this time of deep sorrow. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love Gary and Sue Crain
Aly Amidei
July 7, 2014
We will miss her smiling face around the theatre. So sorry for your loss.
Tom & Cheryl Campbell
July 7, 2014
Dear Charlotte & Mike, We are sooo saddened to hear of your loss of sweet Hannah. Please know we are lifting you and the rest of the family up before our great God and Father...the God of all Comfort. May His grace sustain you in these difficult days! Warmly, Tom & Cheryl Campbell
Lisa Trice
July 7, 2014
Caring loving thoughts, heart felt condolences for your family. . please know you are in our prayers.
Sandra Shull
July 7, 2014
When I arrived to an evening event @ the Pavillion Coffee Shop Hannah was seated w/ her Grandad; just the 2 of them. I noticed her almost immediately as I sat at a table nearby. Promptly she rose to greet me. I must admit I was taken aback by the manner of her greeting. After all, I'm just friends w/ her Mother and Stepfather. It wasn't like I was the featured act. Why the big deal? Why stand up? For me? Why the broad smile? Why the unconditional welcome? So was the embodiment of Hannah; to not differenciate, to offer LOVE equally. And, last night I thought of a fb photo of Hannah holding a rather large, hershey, candy bar. I thought of her sister, Karin's plea…”you have to come back” we still have chocolate! I smiled and thought.. Could Hannah be the greeter who serves chocolates to the ladies as we enter into heaven? Like on a day spa visit. The introduction to plush surroundings, cerebral music and everything earthly melting away. Would she be wearing a heavenly apron, that heavenly smile?
So this morning my attention turns to a fb post from a local tv network. It reads:
“Good Morning! Monday, July 7th might just be the BEST Monday EVER: It's CHOCOLATE DAY! Is there a Local place that makes great chocolates?” Coincidence? It's then I re-think Hannah. This little greeter would most definitely be on board for chocolate day. And I'm almost hearing her say, Hey don't wait for me to serve you, eat some chocolate NOW. Love to all.
Petey & Heath Williamson
July 7, 2014
May the HOLY SPIRIT bring PEACE to You, Mike and both family's.
The Staff of Thompson Funeral Home
July 7, 2014
Offering our deepest sympathies at this time.
July 6, 2014
Missing my cousin....wish i could see her face again at sunday lunch. Miss and love you
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