Barbara "Bobbie" Strong

Barbara "Bobbie" J. Strong

A faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 13, surrounded by the five grandchildren who were the light of her life. She left this world the same way she lived in it-graciously, lovingly, and with quiet strength. And true to who she was, she did things her way.

Born in Evergreen, Alabama, one of nine children to Sarah and Samuel Randolph, Bobbie learned early on how to stand on her ground and make her voice heard. Even as a young girl, she was strong-headed in the best way-determined, courageous, and unafraid to chase something better. At just 11 years old, she made the bold decision to move to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with her older sister Ann in search of greater opportunity. That brave choice shaped the course of her life and spoke volumes about the grit, independence, and strength that would define her.

Bobbie graduated from Schenley High School and went on to earn a degree in the medical field. Caring for others wasn't just a profession for her-it was her calling. Whether tending to patients or nurturing her family, she gave selflessly. She had an extraordinary ability to make people feel seen, heard, and forgiven. Her heart was as big as her personality.

She was witty, sharp-tongued, and effortlessly funny. She could slide in a one-liner with perfect precision and leave a room in laughter without even trying. She stood firm in her beliefs, never easily swayed, and always spoke her mind. If she loved you, you knew it. If you got on her nerves, she told you. If she forgave you, it was complete. If she welcomed you into her home, you were family.

She found joy in the simple pleasures of life: an ice-cold Cherry Pepsi, episodes of Gunsmoke playing in the background, and stories of the Old West. She loved westerns. In many ways, she embodied those same values herself: resilient, fair, and fiercely protective of the people she loved.

In 1968, she married Otis Strong, and from their union came her greatest pride and joy, her son, Otis M. Strong. Her love only multiplied when she became "Gram." Her five grandchildren-Alisha, Tiara, Daejha, Tamia, and Nyla were her five little heartbeats. They, in turn, blessed her with two great-grandchildren and a granddog, Mila Jai Strong-Washington, Donquintin Strong, and Duchess "Fido" Strong, whom they affectionately referred to as "Honey" a nickname only she could make sound so special. Being surrounded by them and her grandchildren in her final moments was a testament to the deep bonds she built and nurtured throughout her life.

She is survived by her sister, Marie Turner; her brother, Calvin Randloph; her beloved son, Otis M. Strong (Wanda Strong); her five cherished grandchildren; her adored great-grandchildren; and a host of family and friends who will forever carry her laughter, her lessons, and her love in their hearts.

Barbara "Bobbie" J. Strong was gracious, caring, and endlessly forgiving. She was headstrong yet tender, quick-witted yet deeply compassionate. She lived boldly, loved fiercely, and served faithfully. Her legacy is not only in the family she raised but in the strength, humor, and grace she instilled in all who knew her. She will be dearly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever celebrated.

A visitation will be held on Saturday at 11am until the time of service at 12pm, at the Trinity Baptist Church, 3415 Ligonier St., Lawrenceville. Interment at Allegheny Cemetery to follow. Professional services trusted to D'ALESSANDRO FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY LTD., Lawrenceville.

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