On November 12, 2021, Our Heavenly Father called home his beloved saint Gussie Alene Sterner, age 88. She passed peacefully in Life CareCenter in Bolivia, NC. Alene was proceeded in death by her husband Robert Sterner, daughter Debbie Strickland and son Gary Strickland. She is survived by daughter Connie Strickland of Ocean isle, NC; her grandchildren, Nija Jacques and husband Rob of Raleigh, NC; Cade Brummett of Johns Island, SC; and the best dog ever, Gnarly.

Alene was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and “ma-ma.” It was our honor to be called her children and grandchildren. So many blessed memories will remain in our hearts as well as the lessons learned from her acts of kindness and demonstrated determination. Another admiral devotion was her dedication to attending worship services. As a long time member of Camp United Methodist Church “ma-ma” often spoke of the many consecutive years she had attended services throughout her life without missing any Sundays. As her illnesses progressed, she was unable to attend services, but with devoted friends and family, her strong Christian faith sustained her through it all. God knew she would have attended and with that, all was “well with her soul” as she would say. “Ma-ma” simply never complained and was thankful for all of her blessings. The celebration in heaven has begun.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 PM, Monday, November 22, 2021, in Brunswick Memorial Gardens, 5229 Ocean Highway, West, Shallotte.