Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Curtis R. Strong

Curtis Strong Obituary

Curtis R. Strong Gary Curtis R. Strong, age 88, noted civil rights leader, union leader and a recognized state and national leader, died early Monday morning, September 15, 2003 in Methodist Hospital after an extended illness with his family by his side. Mr. Strong was born on May 4, 1915 in Sardis, Mississippi to Scott and Fannie Strong. In Spring, Arkansas on June 14, 1986, he married the former Beatchre Lemons who preceded him in death on December 23, 2002. He leaves behind to mourn his memory his loving daughters, Penelope Blakemore of New Jersey, Curtidean Haynes and Erica L. (Demetrious) Mason, both of whom are of Gary, Indiana. His loving son, Laurence Strong of the Phillipines. Other survivors include his loving brother, Archie Lee (Betty) Strong of Minnesota, and his loving grandchildren, Verdette (James) Fry of Gary, Indiana, Jeana Weems of Indianapolis, Indiana and Lisa Blakemore of New Jersey. Also surviving are his four loving great-grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death are his beloved parents, Scott and Fannie, and his beloved grandson, Richard Haynes who died in July of 1973. Retiring in 1983, Mr. Strong was a union executive of U.S. Steel and was a faithful member of Christ Baptist Church for over 20 years. Friends visited with the family on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. with a family hour from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Ridgelawn Funeral Home, 4201 West Ridge Road (219)980-5555. Funeral services will be offered in celebration of the life of Curtis R. Strong today Friday, September 19, 2003 at 11 o'clock a.m. where he will lie in state one hour prior to services in the Christ Baptist Church, 4700 East 7th Avenue, Gary, Indiana with the Reverend W. Maurice White, Jr. officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Ridgelawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made on behalf of Mr. Strong to the Northwest Indiana Sickle Cell Foundation, Inc., 4801 West 5th Avenue, Gary, Indiana 46404. Curtis will be deeply missed by his loving and devoted family and many friends. MAY GOD GRANT HIM ETERNAL REST

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times from Sep. 17 to Sep. 19, 2003.

Memories and Condolences
for Curtis Strong

17 Entries

ERICA STRONG-MASON

September 26, 2003

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE FOR THEIR PRAYERS AND SUPPORT THROUGH THIS DIFFICULT TIME. IT'S TRULY A BLESSING TO KNOW THAT MY FATHER WAS THOUGHT OF AS A MAN WHO CHANGED A LOT OF PEOPLE'S LIVES.

Vera Johnson

September 23, 2003

To the family of my dear buddy, Curtis Strong. God says in

I Thess.4:13-18 - We, as believers will be caught up with him when Christ returns. I'm sending huggs and kisses to let you know I love you and will miss Curtis until we all meet again on that "Great Get-up" morning. God Bless you!

Rose Marie Williamson

September 20, 2003

Rose Marie Williamson, NAACP

Patricia J. Williams Harris

September 18, 2003

To Penny and Lawrence,

My sincere condolences for the death of your father. He was a strong presence in Gary and in the NAACP where I once worked with him. He will be missed.

Your classmate: Patricia J.Williams

Jimmie White

September 18, 2003

Gary have lost a hard fighter the plight of the Black man. you may not have agreed with him, but Curtis would tell it like was, like it or not, rest on Curtis, you have fought a great battle, God bless. Jimmie & Yvonne White Las Vegas, Nv

RAYMOND T YOUNG & SONS

September 18, 2003

My heart and prays goes out to The Haynes and Weems Family for the lost of your Father and Grandfather.

I too know how it feel to lost a love ones. Always remember God will ease your pain and He never take no one before their time. If you need a shoulder to lean on, you know, where you can reach me. Love,Raymond T Young Sr. & Sons.

Thom Phillips

September 18, 2003

Curtis was a great union leader and he will be missed by many..God Bless.

Santosha Johnson

September 18, 2003

To:Erica Mason & Family

Erica, I have known you and your family since we were kids. I love you and I'm praying for you. I pray for an angel to visit you, to surround you with her gentle presence, to calm your spirit,and bring you peace.

With deepest sympathy

your friend,

Santosha

Pastor Raymond Dix Jr.

September 18, 2003

To The Strong Family:

On behalf of the Berean Fellowship Church of Gary and myself, I would like to extend our most heartfelt condolences in the passing of a true hero, Bro. Strong. Our prayers are with you in this your time of bereavement. May God's grace and comfort be with you always.

James Protho Jr

September 18, 2003

Words cannot express my emotions about your loss except to represent my concerns for you at this time for your loss. I will miss the relationship your family has had with my mother and father. Thank you for the years of friendship and love.You will always be in my prayers.

Jennifer Festa

September 17, 2003

Curtis Strong was a union man, and I remember him as someone my father spoke of with great respect. My sympathy to his family and friends. Northwest Indiana has lost a great man.

DONALD WILSON

September 17, 2003

MR. STRONG WILL BE MISSED BY FAMILY AND FRIENDS. WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU ALL.

Beryl Cooper

September 17, 2003

Expressing sincerest sympathy to you in your sad loss.

Pamela Goodes

September 17, 2003

Mr. Strong contributed much to the city amd Northwest Indiana as a whole. His work and dedication will not go unnoticed.

My sympathy to the family. My prayers are with you during this sorrowful time.

Pamela Goodes

Jamia Steele

September 17, 2003

To Erica and Family:

Erica I was so sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Please know that God makes no mistakes. He will comfort you-just call on him. May God Bless you and your entire family.

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results