Mother Mary Strong
Mary A. Strong was born in Ozark, Alabama to Eugene and Berta Mae Johnson Lawler. When she was four years old her family moved to Talladega, Alabama. She is the sixth of ten children (five sisters and four brothers). Her biological mother died when she was six years old. Her father was remarried about a year later to Mrs. Ella Barcklay. Her father died when she was 14 years old and from that point she was raised by her stepmother. She attended Pine Hill Elementary School, Robert Russell Moton High School and graduated from Winterboro High School in 1971.
After graduating from High School she attended Alabama A&M University in Huntsville, Alabama. She received a B.S. degree in Business Education in May 1975. During her senior year at Alabama A&M University she met her husband, Elder James Strong - Neither was saved at the time. Elder Strong accepted Christ in March 1976 and they were married July 4, 1976. As a result of the change that she saw in Elder Strong, she immediately accepted Christ upon moving to Huntsville and joined the Governor’s Drive Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Bishop W. S. Harris. Sometime later she became a charter member of the True Light Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Elder Terrell Harris, Jr. While there she served as an Usher, Junior Class Sunday School Teacher, Adult Choir Member and President of Bible Band.
After several years of preparation and seeking God for assurance, she accepted her call to teach in 1983. In March 1985 her husband was called to pastor the Crutcher Temple Church of God in Christ in Lacey’s Spring, Alabama. While attending Crutcher Temple Church of God in Christ Missionary Strong served as Bible Band President, Corresponding Secretary,Young Women Christian Council (YWCC) Teacher, YPWW Teacher, Junior Class Teacher, Senior High Teacher, Vice-President of Choir and Public Relations Director.
In April 1999, her husband founded the Fountain of Life Ministries Church of God in Christ in Huntsville, Alabama where she serves as President of Women’s Department, Corresponding Secretary and Church Mother. Positions she has held on the Huntsville District include YWCC President, Vice President of Sunshine Band, Vice President of District Choir, Vice President of Pastors’ and Ministers’ Wives Circle, Director of Public Relations, Secretary of Missionary Circle and Assistant to District Missionary. She is the mother of two beautiful, saved and sanctified children who love the Lord (Jamel and Faith LaJoy Strong). She is a graduate of the C. H. Mason System of Bible Colleges, Huntsville Campus. She has been employed by Alabama A&M University for the past 21 years.