WILLADEAN STRONG

Willadean Zeigler Strong, 87, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, at the Tallmadge Health and Rehabilitation Center, Tallmadge, Ohio. She was born on April 2, 1938, to the late Payton and Lillie B. Zeigler.

For 60+ years, Willadean was an incredibly loyal and devoted member of Saint Anthony’s Catholic Church. She retired from both St. Thomas Hospital, the U. S. Postal Service, and held an Associate Degree in Administrative Secretarial Science Technology from the University of Akron. She volunteered at numerous local events, was very active with the Political Action Committee, a lifetime member of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary, an Eastern Star with the Mary Exalted Temple #95, a member of Saint Monica’s Society, the Bell/Meres Social Club, and a Silver lifetime member of the NAACP.

She was an avid bowler, a district representative for the United Way and the Combined Federal Campaign. She was involved with a number of organizations, the National Bowling Association, United States Bowling Congress, the Hustler’s Bowling Club, Akron Postal Workers Union, the Skylark Club, AARP, the LeBron James Grandmother’s Club, and was honored with a proclamation from a distinguished, local congressman.

Willadean is preceded in death by her son, Derryl L. Strong, parents, Payton and Lillie B. Zeigler, brother, Reverend Romall H. Smith and brother-in-law, William “Bimbo” Lemley, Jr.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory, her children, Dr. Harry L. (Dorothy) Strong, Jr., Germaine L. (née Strong) Grandison, and Larry L. Strong, Sr. Grandchildren, Emerald N. Strong, Brianna D. Strong, Brandon T. Strong, Marvin R. Grandison, Jr., Lucretia S. Valcourt, Larry L. Strong, Jr., Darius L. Strong, and E. Nachelle Lewis. Five great-grandchildren, Arianna J. Firebaugh, Brandon D. Strong, Oliver V. H. Strong, Zola R. Grandison, and Victor V. Lewis, Jr. Brothers, John (Rosie) Smith, Marvin (Kathy) Smith, Sr. and sister, Zeibra (née Smith) Lemley. Bonus-sister, Betty Gordon Thorton, longtime friend, Dorphine Lewis, special daughter, Alease R. Robinson, Goddaughter, DeLondia Feaster, special cousin, Frederick Franklin, special son, Jerry Lewis, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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