Rosa Lee Richardson Strong was born Monday, August 5, 1946, in Dalzell, South Carolina to the late Mr. Henry Richardson and Mrs. Hattie Phillips Richardson. She was the sixth of eight children. She departed this life on October 4, 2026. Mrs. Strong received her elementary and high school education in the neighborhood school, Ebenezer High School, in Dalzell, South Carolina. She graduated in 1964. Shortly after graduation, she went to New York seeking a better life and to continue her education. Her dream was deferred, and she returned to Dalzell, South Carolina. Weeks later she found gainful employment at Shaw Air Force Base. A few years later, she met Sgt. Willie James Strong of Jacksonville, Florida. After getting to know him, they were married in 1966. Their union was blessed with two sons and one daughter. At an early age, Mrs. Strong accepted Christ as her personal Savior and joined Joshua Baptist Church in Dalzell, South Carolina. Years later, she became a member of Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church in Sumter, South Carolina where she was a devoted member until her transition. Mrs. Strong was an advocate for education, and as an educator she had an exceptional track record for promoting academic achievement among those she taught in Sumter County School District Two. Left to cherish her precious memories are her husband of 60 years, Willie J. Strong, Sr.; three children: Willie J. Strong, Jr. (Roslin) of Eastover, SC, Yvette S. Busbee of Dalzell, SC, and Chris Strong (Nicole) of Rockhill, SC; one stepson, Antonio Strong of Jacksonville, FL; Sisters: Ida Mason of Newport News, VA, Wilhelmenia Dyson and Terry Clark of Dalzell, SC; one special grandson: Christian Strong of Rockhill, SC; one granddaughter, Kirsten Strong of Columbia, SC; one great-grandson, Kingston Strong of Sumter, SC, and a host of step-grands, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, other relatives, and close friends. She was preceded in death by her three sisters, one brother, and one grandson: Margaret Thomson, Edith Hammond, Marie Jackson, James Richardson, and Christopher Strong. A special thank you to her devoted caregivers, Ursula Williams, Bertha Jackson, Stella Haynesworth, Mary McCray, Tykira Brown, Carmarlita Wheeler and Kenyatta Scriven for the compassion and loving care you provided. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 P. M., Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, 609 Manning Avenue, Sumter, with the Rev. Dr. Marion H. Newton, Pastor. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Park, 802 North Guignard Drive, Sumter. The Family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 2575 West Oakland Avenue, Sumter.
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