Deborah Louise Strickland

Deborah Louise Strickland, age 68, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, surrounded by her loving family after a short illness.

Born on December 10, 1957, in Conway, SC. Debbie was known for her kindness, warm heart, and the love she shared with everyone around her. Those who knew her best will always remember her gentle spirit, generous heart, and the compassion she showed to family, friends, and strangers alike.

Debbie had a lifelong passion for women’s basketball and fishing. During her high school years, she was a phenomenal women’s basketball player, proudly playing the position of center. Her determination and talent on the court left a lasting impression on those who watched her play.

Fishing was more than a hobby to Debbie — it was a way of life. She made history as the first female mate on the head boats in Murrells Inlet. She also spent more than 20 years alongside her beloved life partner, Steve Grubish, commercial longline fishing aboard the Sidewinder. After many years on the water, Debbie and Steve began a new venture together in clam farming, continuing their hard work side by side until Steve became ill. Debbie devoted herself fully to caring for him, becoming his full-time caregiver until his passing in 2011.

After Steve’s passing, Debbie returned home to Murrells Inlet, where she lived a quiet and peaceful life surrounded by family until her passing.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lemuel Strickland and Winnie Bell Strickland; her oldest sister, Linda Bell Cook; her oldest brother, Lemuel "Bug" Strickland;  Nephew Daniel Strickland, and her life partner, Steve Grubish.

She is survived by her sister, Janie Gause; her brothers, Wayne Strickland and wife Mary, and Billy Strickland and wife Sharon; nine nieces and nephews; fourteen great-nieces and great-nephews; ten great-great-nieces and great-great nephews; and many cherished friends and loved ones who will deeply miss her presence.

A memorial service to celebrate Debbie’s life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Burroughs Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson's Foundation and the American Kidney Fund.

Debbie’s kindness, strength, and love for her family and friends will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

To view these details online or to offer words of comfort through the online guestbook, please visit www.burroughsfh.com

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Service (843.651.1440) of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family with arrangements.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.