Erica Lynn Puckett Strutz

"If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person." -Mr. Rogers Erica graced the world with her beautiful presence on March 6, 1984. She unexpectedly flew home to the loving arms of Jesus on January 13th, 2021. The sun doesn't shine as bright without her in this world. She is survived by her dear brother Alex; 2 out of this world children, Madalyn and Preston; several Aunts, Uncles, and cousins; and many many close friends that were family to her. She was preceeded in death by her Father John and her Mother Toni, her grandparents on both sides, and more than one of her close friends. Erica loved rainbows and elephants, binge watching time travel and supernatural dramas on television, feeding what she called her "inner fat girl" with ice cream, and smiling was her favorite. Erica was a force. Her energy was intense and it was impossible not to feel as she was feeling while in her company. To be on the business end of a classic Erica tantrum was well worth it in trade for being a recipient of her unwavering love. Erica's spirit was magnetic. She made a new friend everywhere she went, she never met a stranger. She connected with people and touched their lives in ways they didn't even know they needed. She brought people together. She could make a difference without trying, sometimes without knowing. Erica knew and loved Jesus, and though she is resting peacefully with Him now, her tragic passing and her absence are a seething pain in the hearts of so many. Her life mattered and she will be loved and missed until we see her bright sunshiny smile again.