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Sept. 15, 1938 – Aug. 2, 2024

NATCHEZ – Mrs. Carolyn Lewis Strong passed peacefully at her home in Natchez surrounded by family at age 86.

Carolyn is survived by her sons, David Tony Strong and wife, Patricia of Natchez, Bobby Strong and wife, Kelly of Grayson, LA, and Chris Strong and wife, Michelle of Natchez; her grandchildren, Shelby Strong of Vidalia, Lane Strong, and wife, Tori of Vidalia, Ryan Strong and wife, Mary Frances of Gulfport, MS, Kathryn Strong of Natchez, Rivers Strong of Grayson, LA, and Blayne Strong of Grayson, LA; her great-grandchildren, Lylah Vestal of Vidalia, Myles Strong of Vidalia, and Ridge Strong of Vidalia.

She is preceded in death by her mother and father, Josie and Joe Lewis; her brothers, Kenneth and Reginald Lewis, and her husband, Billy Jo Strong.

Carolyn was born on Sept. 15, 1938, in Crosby, MS to Joe Lewis and Josie Kinnison Lewis. She graduated from Crosby High School in 1956. She then graduated from Copiah Lincoln Community College in 1958. She married Billy Joe Strong, her high school sweetheart, in 1958. During her husband’s time in the service, the two welcomed two sons. After moving to Natchez, they would welcome another son. The couple would reside in Natchez for the next 60-plus years.

Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren will remember her as a loving mother and CiCi who was always kind, compassionate, and caring. To know her was to love her and be loved by her.

Carolyn often indulged in cross-stitching beautiful gifts for her friends and family, she also cared for Pomeranians of which she had three throughout her life, Pixie, Missy, and Prissy. She was a dedicated individual who was skilled at playing piano, which she did for Immanuel Baptist Church, of which she was an active and devout member for 60-plus years. Carolyn was a lifelong fan of Elvis Presley, many times in her life she saw him in concert and traveled to see his home, Graceland. Carolyn is known to many from her time at National Furniture of Natchez where she was employed for 47 years.

Pallbearers include Lane Strong, Ryan Strong, Andrew Strong, David Strong Jr., Jason Strong, and Jim Strong.

A wake was held at Immanuel Baptist Church on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, from 5 until 7 p.m. The funeral service was held on Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, at Immanuel Baptist Church, with visitation beginning at 9 until 10 a.m., with a reception following the burial at 212 Forest Dr. Natchez. Brother Dillon Wickliffe officiated the ceremony. A graveside service was held on Monday, August 5 at noon at Rose Lawn Cemetery in Gloster, MS, where she will be laid to rest next to her husband, Billy Joe.

Our mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend requested that we make donations in lieu of flowers to Immanuel Baptist Church Missions Fund.  https://gofund.me/d8f6d136

The family would like to thank Linda Blanton for her care and help.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com

“And I’ll cherish the old rugged cross
Till my trophies at last I lay down
And I will cling to the old rugged cross
And exchange it someday for a crown”