01/08/2026
🩵Sweet Annie🩵
It’s been awhile since we’ve been active on this page, but this one was worth a post.
This past season was the first time we didn’t host RISE’s Christmas Party, since closing the store. It’s safe to say we certainly miss our dear customers and even just in our short season being open, we’ve lost a few good ones who have gained their angel wings.
This past week the community has come together to remember a sweet soul who is no longer with us. Miss Strickling, known by our family as “Sweet Annie”, was a true gem. We’ve prayed hard for her family, friends, RISE Elementary teachers and students, and those who were close with her this week.
I am Mr. Dowell’s only daughter, but over the years he’s gained daughter-in-law’s, and a couple of “school daughters” while in his teaching career, all whom I’m honored to share the best dad with. Sweet Annie was one of those school daughters🩵 This week has been especially tough on Mr. Dowell. Please join us in praying for comfort over Annie’s family and the RISE staff as they show up tomorrow for one of their own. And most importantly, keep all those kiddos who loved their Miss Strickling in your daily prayers as they finish out the school year without her.
“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”
Proverbs 4:23
This scripture teaches that the heart is the control center for life. Sweet Annie’s life was certainly a reflection of her heart.❤️el