Jackie "Mama J" Strong's Obituary
Jackie Strong
May 29, 1932 ~ July 9, 2015
Jackie Bullard Strong, 83, of Longview passed away on July 9, 2015 at a local hospital. Visitation will be held from 6pm-7:30pm Friday, July 10, 2015 at Rader Funeral Home of Longview. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at 10am at the Winterfield United Methodist Church in Longview with the Reverend David Luckert officiating. Graveside services will follow at Strong Cemetery in the Church Hill Community of Rusk County under the direction of Rader Funeral Home.
“Mama J” as she was lovingly known by her family was born in Good Springs, Texas east of Henderson on May 29, 1932 to Willie P. and Edna H. Bullard. She was married to the love of her life, Jack C. Strong, for over 64 years. “Mama J” graduated from Carlisle High School in 1951. While in high school she participated in the Drama Club, FHA, the volleyball team and the school paper staff. Her beauty, style and charm made her a favorite among her classmates. She was also a majorette and football Queen. During her high school days, she also held down a job at a local five and dime in Henderson. Jackie attended Kilgore College where she learned business and math skills which she used throughout her career.
She worked for many years for Rusk County before working for the Texas Department of Highways and Public Transportation where she retired after 26 years of faithful service. After retirement, her passion became volunteer work. She served as a volunteer for the Senior Circle at Longview Regional Hospital. The seventeen years she spent with the Senior Circle friends brought her much joy and satisfaction, knowing that she was helping others.
Winterfield United Methodist Church was also a place where she loved to serve, giving her time in the church office helping put together the church newsletter and answering the phone with her warm and gracious voice. She was born with a servant’s heart and was always willing to serve her friends, family and those in need.
Most of all she loved the Lord and her family which always gave her the greatest joy. She loved being a devoted mother to Brenda and Mark, a proud grandmother to Shelby, Lauren and Lacy and a doting great-grandmother to Caroline and Cooper. She always thought of her son-in-law Scott and daughter-in-law Kim as her own children.
She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Edna and Willie Bullard, brothers Garnie and J.T. Bullard and sister Bessie Lou Bullard.
She is survived by her Loving husband of 64 years, Jack C. Strong of Longview, her two Children, Brenda Lee and her husband Scott of Henderson, Mark Strong and his wife Kim of Lufkin, three grandchildren Shelby Perry and her husband Brad of Henderson, Lauren Strong of Austin and Lacy Strong of Lufkin.
If desired memorials may be made to Winterfield United Methodist Church at 2616 Tryon Road, Longview, TX 75605
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