On August 29, 2014, at her home in Little Rock, Arkansas, Althea Kennard Strong departed her earthly home and entered her heavenly home. Althea was born January 20, 1938 to the late Cornelious and Bernice (Darty) Kennard in LaCrosse, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Strong, two sisters, Florine (Brown) Montgomery, and Carrie Van Brooks and one brother Cornelious Kennard Jr.
Althea grew up and attended school in LaCrosse, Arkansas later moved to Batesville, Arkansas where she graduated from Ethel O. Miller High School; she attended Arkansas Baptist College in Little Rock, AR. She later received a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff and did further study at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro Arkansas. She was united in marriage to Charles S. Strong July 5, 1964 and moved to Luxora , Arkansas. After 31 successful years as an outstanding teacher in the Carver/Southside School, Althea retired in 1993. Her students remember her punctuality and thoroughness as well as a warm, peaceful learning atmosphere in her classroom. All of her students loved her dearly for her genuine interest in their progress. Her patience as she personally assisted each one on his/her individual level, made learning both desirable and attainable for all students. Because of her evident self-control and gentle persistence, she inspired all of her students to reach beyond themselves to where she desired them to be. Althea's innovative techniques, her pursuit for student excellence, her unrelenting dedication, and her gentle, cooperative spirit epitomize the character of greatness in an educator.
Though retired, she continued her mission of help as a Good Samaritan who stood ready to go beyond the call of duty to help those in need in her community and church.
She accepted Christ at an early age and was a faithful member of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church of Batesville, Arkansas, later she united with Zion Chapel Missionary Baptist Church of Luxora, Arkansas, under the leadership of Pastor Melvin Taylor. Due to illness she moved to Little Rock, Arkansas where she served under the watch care of Dr. C. B. Robinson, Pastor, Saint John Missionary Baptist Church.
Those left to cherish her loving memory; two brothers Earnest William Kennard of Atlanta, Georgia andAlexander Kennard of Batesville, Arkansas; two step-sons Charlie Strong (Vicki) of Austin, Texas, Billy Strong (Wendy) of Mystic, Connecticut. three grandchildren; and a host of nephews, nieces,cousins,and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, September 4, 2014, at Zion Baptist Church in Luxora, Arkansas with Pastor Marvin Taylor officiating.
Services will be 10:00 A.M., Friday, September 5, 2014 in the Willis Funeral Service Chapel in Batesville with Dr. C. B. Robinson officiating. Interment will be at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville. Pallbearers are Alexander Kennard, Floyd Anthony, LaMont Anthony, Lee Roy Brown, Marcus White, and Daniel Smith.
Visitation will be 6:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M. Thursday, September 4, 2014
Arrangements are by Willis Funeral Service of Batesville
www.willisfs.com
Cemetery Details
Oaklawn Cemetery
Batesville, AR,
Visitation
SEP 4. 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Willis Funeral Service
3513 Harrison Street
Batesville, AR, US, 72501
http://www.willisfs.com
Service
SEP 5. 10:00 AM
Willis Funeral Service
3513 Harrison Street
Batesville, AR, US, 72501
http://www.willisfs.com
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