Michelle Strong

Grace Michelle Strong was born on November 23, 1958, in Newark, New Jersey, to Willie Dell Strong (predeceased). She attended East Orange High School, where she developed knowledge to pass down for generations. Grace spent her career at the Star Ledger, a native Newark newspaper company, and enjoyed the friendships she built there while taking pride in her work.

At 11 years old, she met her long-time partner, Arthur Cherry Sr. (predeceased). Years later, in 1974, they welcomed their first beautiful child, Cherisse Monic "Tuta" Cherry, and in 1980, a beautiful son, Arthur Jacob "Man" Cherry Jr. (predeceased), joined their family. A fond memory of Grace was teaching her daughter, Cherisse, how to play cards, Pity Pat, "I declare war", and before bed, sitting together, shuffling and dealing cards to allow the day to quietly end. She also taught her Miss Mary Mack and "Don't step on the crack or you'll break your mother's back" to pass the time while waiting outside the doctor's office after arriving too early. She always tried to make the best of everything for her children. Creating something special out of what she didn't have and pouring love into every small moment. In 1997, her beautiful granddaughter, Kennedy Michelle "Moo Moo" Cherry, completed their family of four, bringing sunshine to their lives. Grace would always take her Moo Moo to the Chinese store and Dunkin on Court St. as a kid, sharing their love for dumplings, donuts, and coffee. When Moo Moo got older, Grace would give her comfort when talking to her on the phone during the long drives to Texas. Moo Moo would bring small gifts to her Nini from her travels. Grace had a great love for her sister, Stephanie "Steph." They were two peas in a pod. Always protective and sweet to one another. Her face would light up as soon as Steph walked into a room.

Grace lived life to the fullest. You could always hear her speaking loudly and laughing with the ones she loved. She loved dogs, the gospel, and God. She made sure she heard the word of the Lord as often as possible. She also loved being creative, often drawing and painting, because it brought her joy.

Grace lived up to her name: living gracefully through God and demonstrating strength through the end. She was a woman of conviction who valued honesty, set clear boundaries, and never compromised her self-worth. Grace's strength was always matched by her deep warmth and unforgettable bear hugs that made everyone feel safe, loved, and at home.

Grace is predeceased by her loving mother Willie Dell "Ma" or "Mommy" Strong (partner Nelson), son Arthur Jacob "Man" Cherry Jr., and brothers Robert Strong (wife Diane), Laurence C. Strong Sr. (wife Diane; predeceased), John E. "Johnnie" Knight, brother-in-law James Davis, sister Denise Strong Jones, and partner Arthur Cherry Sr.

Grace is survived by her daughter, Cherisse Monic "Tuta" Cherry, granddaughter Kennedy Michelle "Moo Moo" Cherry, sister Stephanie "Steph" Davis (husband James; predeceased), brothers Richard Strong (wife Debbie) and James "Tate" Strong, nieces Bonita Strong, Tameko "Meko" Brown, Samantha Strong, Kim Lipscomb (husband Douglas), Kayla Lipscomb, nephews Delmond Maurice "Reese" Strong, David Lipscomb, Maurice Lipscomb, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Grace will always be missed and loved, but she will always be around because, similar to her name, she is timeless and connected to God. Her infectious laugh, bear hugs, and memories will live on forever.