Katherine Elizabeth Strong

Katherine Elizabeth Strong was born April 6, 1933 in Shelby Mississippi. She was the only child of Robert Lewis, Jr. and Lizzie B. Collins (both deceased). Katherine was raised by her Grandmother Lena Collins.

The family relocated to Chicago, Illinois where Katherine attended Betsy Ross Elementary School and DuSable High School. Through the years she took courses at Wilson College, Southeast College, Loop College and Cortes Business College. Katherine also attended Lydia’s Cosmetology School where she obtained her license.

Katherine became a mother to her oldest child Raydella at an early age. She married Leonard Strong (deceased) and to this union John was born. Katherine worked for the City of Chicago for over 35 years holding various clerk positions in the Department of Health, Police Department and Vital Records. Always the hard worker Katherine sometimes worked 3 jobs to take care of her family.

Katherine relocated to Union City, Georgia where she lived for 3 years. During her time there she became a member of The Red Hat Society. Her small chapter took many trips around the south which she really enjoyed. Upon her return to Chicago, she became a member of chapter a there.

Accepting Christ at a young age, Katherine attended New Zion Grove Missionary Baptist Church where she held the positions of Trustee and Secretary at different times. She remained a member in good standing until she relocated to California in 2016.

Katherine departed on June 28, 2022 in Lomita, California after a long illness surrounded by her children. She leaves to mourn her a daughter Raydella Lewis and a son John Strong. Her special children Keith Elzia (Lisa), Kevin Elzia, Kraig Elzia (Kym) and Ralph Jackson; cousins that she considered her other daughters Lorraine Watkins (Andre), Christine Mathis (Diane) and Katherine Monger. Known for her beautiful smile and by many as Auntie Katherine, Kitty, Kay-T she will be missed by a host of family and friends.

Katherine will be missed by special friends Bonnie Wiley, Zoe Wade and Arcola Water.