Denise Strickler Baird of Milton, Georgia passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family on August 28, 2025. She was 62.

Denise was a beloved wife; mother; daughter; sister; aunt; Mimi; and friend. She will be remembered for her tremendous faith that fueled her love, kindness, compassion, patience, strength, and determination. She was preceded in death by her mother, Janis Brown Strickler; mother-in-law Barbara Fabian Baird; and father-in-law, Charles Bruce Baird, Sr.

Denise's relationship with Jesus was the foundation for how she lived her life and was demonstrated by her heart to serve others. Her life mantra was simple--love God, and love people. She would often pray that God would use her to be a light for Christ and this verse re-enforced it: "In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Denise was born in Raleigh, NC to Rev. Carl and Janis Strickler. Denise grew up in Kingsport, TN alongside her treasured younger brother, Michael. She was an active child and was often found playing football in the front yard with her brother and their neighborhood friends. She and Michael also had a paper route together where Michael would drive a motorcycle and Denise would ride alongside him putting papers in the mailboxes. Denise attended and graduated from Dobyns-Bennett High School then went on to the University of Tennessee where she graduated with a degree in Business. At the University of Tennessee, Denise met her future husband, Bruce.

Alongside her faith, Denise loved and cherished her family. She was an exceptional wife and her husband's best friend. As a stay-at-home mom, Denise became involved in anything to support her two children Carol-Ann and Robert. She wore many hats including being the ultimate sports mom for gymnastics and baseball. Denise never did anything half-way – she put her heart and soul into everything she did. Denise never missed a gymnastics meet or a baseball game. She provided snacks, planned team outings, and traveled across the United States for games and meets. Not only that, but she made everything a family affair, never sacrificing time together. She ensured Carol-Ann and Robert knew how to be supportive of one another and cheer each other on. As well, Denise continued to foster a strong relationship with her parents and brother's family. They went on numerous vacations together, spent Thanksgiving and Christmas together, and planned impromptu trips solely to spend more time together. One of her favorite places to visit was the Florida Keys where she enjoyed the beauty of God's creation and quality time with her family.

In addition, Denise loved her extended family at BUMC (youth ministry, prayer team, church council and women's bible study). She also loved her Milton Athletic Club family and truly appreciated every time she could attend, often referring to them as "her other church home."

She is survived by her husband of 37 years, Bruce; their children Carol-Ann Wiley (Kevin) and Robert Bryan Michael Baird; her father Carl Strickler (Ruth); her brother Michael Strickler (Debbie); her nieces Lauren Strickler Ford (Ben, Grant, and Lucy) and Stephanie Strickler; brothers-in-law Robert "Bob" Baird (Linda, Robert Jr., Maree, Grace, James, John, Hannah-Ruth, and Anne) and Bryan Baird (Darby, Brice, Brianna, Sarah Grace, and Katelyn); sisters in law Merah Baird (Keith Devereaux and Rani) and Haerah Baird; mother-in-law Byung Ran Baird; and grandchildren, Jackson and Annie Wiley.
One of Denise's greatest joys was when she became a grandparent in 2022. She loved and adored her grandchildren. She spoiled Jackson and Annie, with snuggles, snacks, clothes, books with personalized notes, sleepovers, and so much more. She simply was the best. Denise cherished her family and loved being Mimi alongside Pop-Pop.

A celebration of her life will be held at her church home, Birmingham United Methodist Church on Saturday, September 6, at 2 p.m., followed by a reception in the fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Birmingham United Methodist Youth Program. Denise's family finds peace in knowing she is fully healed in Christ Jesus. https://onrealm.org/BirminghamUMC/-/form/give/now