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My Take on This: Lucy and Ethel, together again

Jo Ann Madden’s life on earth ended on March 3, 2017 at the age of 79. One of her dearest friends was taken from her on April 27, 1987 at the age of 57. Her name was Mary Strickland. Those of you who have lived in Spruce Pine most of your lives knew of their long-time friendship.

Their close friends knew that Jo Ann and Mary were referred to as “Lucy and Ethel.” If you’ve ever watched the classic television show I Love Lucy, then you know how they got that nickname. Those characters had nothing on our modern-day “Lucy and Ethel,” who were entertaining without a script. Those two were so much fun to be around.

They both taught their children to help those in need, be good to others and never steal. I heard quite often how I was to turn the other cheek “because the Bible said so.” After that, it was my call, since it didn’t specify what to do next. And I was also taught that we should always remember we were better than no one, but no one was better than us either. Now, that will keep anyone grounded.

If Jo Ann and Mary stood for something, there would be no backing down. They shared a love for music and George Jones, and a special love for their family and each other.

Jo Ann and Mary couldn’t afford the luxuries in life, but leave it to them to find the next best thing. Having something new or different in your home could be a welcomed morale booster, so they put their thoughts together and came up with “different.”

They might exchange a rug, a picture or a couple of throw pillows. It might even be a chair from their living room. They didn’t always do simple—oh no! It could be an entire bedroom suite.

After a few weeks or months, the exchange would again take place and their own stuff would become new again.
Through sheer determination, they seemed to always find a way for everything. They would work together, without jealousy or envy. They taught and lived what a true friendship should be.

Jo Ann taught me all she knew about flowers. Her flowers always got fuller, taller and had beautiful blossoms all year. It took me several years, but she helped turn my thumb into a beautiful green color. Every time I walk in my garden’s path and see all my beautiful flowers, I know she is the reason I can enjoy another of God’s precious gifts.

Some of you might think it strange to be sharing these two lives together when one has been gone for years and another for only a few days, but it just feels to me the right thing to do. Through Jo Ann’s and Mary’s humble beginnings and teachings, generation after generation share the same love and friendship that our mothers did.

I’m thankful for such a friendship that Mike, Ronnie, Donald and myself have to this very day. For now, just know that my prayers go out for the family and friends of Jo Ann Madden. She will be greatly missed by all!

Still, it’s a rather comforting feeling to know that “Lucy and Ethel” are together again.

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