Lillian Charlotte Ming Strong

Lillian Charlotte Ming Strong, most affectionately known as “Lil”, was born on November 26, 1926 to (the late) Claude Lung Ming, Sr. and Mary Frances Wilson Ming.  Lil had four siblings: Claude, Jr., Margret, Leroy, and Doris.  Lil was educated in the New York City public school system.  She graduated from Brooklyn High School for Homemaking where she honed her craft of sewing and became a master seamstress.  Lil even designed and wore her own dress for graduation. 

Lil was raised in the church. Growing up, the family attended Holy Trinity Baptist Church pastored by (the late) Thomas S. Harten.  Lil sang in the choir where she was a first soprano soloist.  Her favorite songs to sing were: “You'll Never Walk Alone” and “Ave Maria”.  As an adult, Lil followed her brother Leroy to the St. Paul Community Baptist Church where she became a member under the leadership of Reverend Johnny Ray Youngblood, and remained a faithful member for almost fifty years.

On September 10, 1949, Lil married (the late) Odell Strong, and from that union, their daughter Sheila Ann Strong was born.  Lil entered the workforce working at Jack-Aggate Auto & Upholstery Supply Store as a part-time employee. Then she started her career at Abraham & Straus Department Store in Downtown Brooklyn. She worked for A&S in several positions, starting in the lighting department where she was featured in their store catalogue as a sales associate.  She was promoted from Floor Manager to Section Manager, making her one of the first Black women to be named Manager at that department store.  She retired after thirty-three years of stellar performance.  After retiring, Lil volunteered at St. Mary's Hospital where she worked for three years in the Neonatal Unit nurturing and supporting babies born with AIDS.  For twenty-three years, she volunteered at the Bedford-Stuyvesant Family Health Center in Brooklyn where she was a proud Board Member and Assistant Secretary, retiring in 2019.  Lil also served on the Cooperative Board of 850 St. Marks Avenue where she resided for almost sixty years. 

Lil loved to travel!  She traveled extensively with her best friend and traveling companion (the late) Sylvia Cones -- the Coco to her Chanel.  She visited countries in Europe, South America, the Caribbean and the United State, returning from near and far with wonderful memories and photographs.  Lil never swayed from her passion for sewing.  She created unique pieces of clothing that could compete with any top designer.  If asked, Lil would make an outfit no matter how simple or intricate.  After being asked to create a wedding dress fit for a queen, she was forever called by that bride, her fairy-godmother.  The bride nor the dressmaker’s names were ever revealed until Lil's 90th birthday party by the bride.  

Lil has been a caretaker to many including her mother Frances Ming.  She has been like a second mother and grandmother to many of her nieces and nephews, as well as Sheila’s and Anissa's friends.  Out of all of her accomplishments, being a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother were her greatest joys.  Lil lived a full life; she loved spending time with her family, she enjoyed a good party, she loved a good meal, especially one cooked by her grandson-in-love Jamarle Worilds, and she appreciated a strong gin and tonic with a twist of lime!  Lil was a SURVIVOR!  She has had many health challenges, including beating breast cancer.  Lil never lived defeated or broken.  Over the past two years when her health began to decline, she remained the epitome of grace and strength.  She was a beautiful woman who was loved by all who knew her.  In addition to Sheila and Anissa taking care of her, she was blessed to have her nephews Leonard and James (Lynn), and her niece Emily as a part of her caretaking team.  As the elders of our family, Lil shared a long and special bond with her buddy Robert Walton, and her close friends -- Eleanor Cyrus, Delta Watson, Marie Cobb and Mary Clyde. Sheila and Anissa cannot thank and love you enough for all you have done for her.

On Sunday, July 23, 2023, Lil heard her name and answered her Father's call.  She was surrounded by her great-grandson Osaze, nephews: Leonard and James (Lynn).  Lil leaves to mourn and cherish her precious memory, her loving and devoted daughter Sheila Ann Strong Atwood; her granddaughter whom she loved dearly, Anissa Charlotte Strong Worilds (and her husband Jamarle); courageous and loving great-grandson Osaze Morris; brother-in-law Robert Walton; goddaughter/niece Eleanor Fulton; nieces and nephews: Leonard Ming, Emily Walton, Arlene Joseph (and her husband Patrick), Burnell Ming, Deidra Ming, Evelyn Strong Burke, Vincent Fulton (and his wife Jo-Ann), Anthony Fulton (and his wife Linda), Marcella Fulton, and Charlie Coombs; as well as host of grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, other relatives, church members, neighbors and friends.

Lil will be greatly missed, but her legacy will live on in all of us!

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