Henrietta D. Strohecker, lovingly known as "Retta", was born on October 12, 1962, in Columbia, SC. She spent most of her childhood between Columbia and Louisville, KY, as the youngest of four children of David S. DuBose, Jr. and Isabel Hildebrand Morton. A unique family bond is she shared her birthday with both her older brother and her mother-in-law.
From a young age Retta was known for her vibrant sense of humor, radiant smile, and contagious laugh; gifts that left a lasting impression on everyone she met. She never encountered a stranger, forming connections with people easily and wholeheartedly.
Family was the center of Retta's life. She treasured time spent with her many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, always holding a special place in her heart for children. She often reminded those around her with her favorite saying, "Do it for the children". Retta was also a devoted "Puppy Momma" most recently to Sierra, her yellow Labrador, and now is reunited with her beloved Sheba, Bo and Sandy, her previous Labs.
In addition to family, Retta enjoyed boating on Lake Murray, photography, travelling across the country seeing all the USA with her husband and Sierra in their camper with their close friends. In addition, she enjoyed playing Pickleball at the local parks with her new friends and occasionally playing BINGO with the girls. One bucket list item was to see the Northern Lights. After chasing them over the years from Alaska, the UP of Michigan and Nova Scotia, a wish was joyfully fulfilled in Iceland, where she became a true "Viking Princess" under their spectacular glow.
Professionally, Retta was a graduate of Columbia College with a Bachelor of Arts and dedicated many years to her career as a paralegal at Haynesworth, Sinkler & Boyd, PA., before retiring a few years ago.
Survivors include her husband of 41 years, William Jennings Strohecker, Jr.; siblings, Marjorie Rogers (Marvin) of Spruce Pine, NC and George Dial DuBose (Kathy) of Williamston, SC; brother-in-law, James Scott Strohecker (Marie) of Columbia; sisters-in-law, Diane Stroheckler (Bill) of Mount Pleasant, SC and Catherine Cummings DuBose of Greenville, SC, as well of an abundance of special nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, David S. DuBose, III.
The family will host a reception at 12:30 o'clock on Tuesday, September 9th, at the Forest Lake Club, 340 Country Club Dr, Columbia, SC 29206. A private burial will be held at Elmwood Cemetery.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the Doctors, Nurses and Staff of Lexington Medical Center Hospital and the Cancer Center for their extremely remarkable care, compassion, and dedication during her illness
In honor of Retta's life, memorials may be made to Epworth's Children's Home, 2900 Millwood Ave, Columbia, SC 29205 or Thornwell Home for Children, 302 S. Broad St, Clinton, SC 29325.
Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.