July 30, 1926 – March 16, 2016

OLLA, La. — Services for Murl Poole Strong, 89, of Olla, La., who died Wednesday, March 16, 2016, at St. Francis Medical Center after a brief illness, will be 10 a.m. today at Olla United Methodist Church with the Rev. Aaron Carpenter officiating.

Burial will follow at 4 p.m. at Roseland Cemetery in Gloster under the direction of Riser Funeral Home in Olla.

Mrs. Strong was born July 30, 1926, in the Homochitto community of Amite County, the daughter of F.L. “Boss” Poole and Mazie Huff Poole.

She was a graduate of Crosby High School and attended Southwest Junior College in Summit where she was an outstanding basketball player. In 1942, she married O.B. Strong Sr. and made a home in Olla. They founded and operated O.B. Strong Timber Company and raised their three children.

Mrs. Strong was an avid follower of LaSalle High School athletics and a dedicated member of the Louisiana State University TAF for more than 25 years. She was also a devoted member of the Olla United Methodist Church where she served on the administrative board for more than 60 years. She was the first director of Olla Head Start. She was also an active member of the Pinewood Garden Club of Olla.

Mrs. Strong enjoyed playing bridge and spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years; her parents; one brother, Oliver L. Poole Sr.; one sister, Avis Jean Poole; two brothers-in-law, Lavon B. Strong and Raiford G. Strong; and one sister-in-law, Jeanette Strong Hood and husband, Johnny.

Survivors include one son, Omer B. Strong Jr. and wife, Janice; two daughters, Jackie Strong Whatley and husband, Tom, and DeAnna Strong Martisius and husband, Dan; five grandchildren, Lauren Whatley, Sarah Whatley Roark and husband, Jay, Andrew Strong and wife, Emily, Ben Martisius and Mazie Martisius; three great-grandsons, Cooper and Eli Roark and Owen Strong; two brothers-in-law, Billy J. Strong and wife, Carolyn, and Dr. David H. Strong and wife, Debra; three sisters-in-law, Nelda Strong, Ann Strong and Gayle Poole; and a number of loving nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Olla United Methodist Church.