Mother Darlene Strong was born December 9, 1924 to the parentage of the late Mr. & Mrs. George (Cora) Stephens in Athens, Georgia.

Mother Darlene was affectionately called Doll. She was united in Holy Matrimony to Mr. George Strong Sr. and to this union six children were born, two preceded her in death, Mr. Garfield Stephens and Mr. George Strong Jr., also four brothers and three sisters preceded her in death.

Mother Darlene proudly proclaimed the Lord as her Savior and joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church, serving faithfully until her health declined. “Doll” loved life and lived it to the fullest. She loved music, dancing, playing and having fun with family and friends.

“Doll” was a hard working lady at Allen’s, Meadors and Tri-City Cleaners, also at Scottdale and Porterdale Mills where she retired. After retiring she enjoyed visiting the sick, cooking and keeping her house, children and grandchildren when needed.

Mother Darlene leaves to cherish her memories; her children, four sons, Mr. Ralph Strong, Mr. & Mrs. Johnny (Gloria) Strong, Mr. Willie Strong (Louise) and Mr. Robert Strong, two daughters, Ms. Mary McGordon and Ms. Diane Strong, god-children, Mr. Gerald Price, Mr. & Mrs. Melvin (Judy) Woods, Ms. Neka Reed, two brothers, Mr. J.W. Stephens and Mr. Robert Stephens, two sisters, Mrs. Ann Diggs and Mrs. Cora Cunningham, eighteen grandchildren, sixteen great grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren, one sister-in-law, Mrs. Sarah Stephens, devoted caretaker, Ms. Misty Glover and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Mother Strong were held on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 355 Moores Road, Covington, GA 30014 with Rev. Ashley Dobbs serving as pastor and eulogist. Interment followed in Oxford Historical Cemetery. Deacons served as honorary pallbearers, grandsons and friends served as pallbearers. Mothers of Mt. Olive Baptist Church served as honorary flower ladies and granddaughters and friends also served as flower ladies.

The family of Mother Darlene Strong would like to thank you all for your kindness and concerns you have expressed. Thanks to Lester Lackey & Sons Funeral Home Inc., Westbury Health & Rehab and Rockdale Medical Center Staff. May God Bless you all.