Mrs Mellissia Strong

Mellissia Gwendolyn Bailey Strong was born September 6, 1952, to the late Henry Ruffin Bailey and Catherine Smith Bailey in Memphis, Tennessee. She was the 4th child and last of this union. She graduated at the top of her class from Northside High School and pursued higher education at Clark Atlanta University. She then transferred to Memphis State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in 1974. While in college, she met William Strong and they were married on April 29, 1978, after which they moved to Atlanta, Georgia to begin married life. To this union were born two beloved daughters, Nekia Barrett Strong and Maiya Symone Strong. Mellissia assisted William in building their real estate development company, Strong Enterprises, Inc. in the 1980’s and later focused on raising her family and making a wonderful home. Mellissia grew up in the church. She was baptized at an early age at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Memphis where she and her family were very active members. In Atlanta, she joined and became active with the Saint Philip AME Church where she served as dedicated Girl Scout mom and member of the John Pitts Usher Board. An active and supportive mother to both her daughters; she was an involved PTA parent, soccer mom, and member of Jack & Jill’s Stone Mountain chapter. Mellissia was a devoted and loyal friend, maintaining friendships with many from her childhood and high school years. A quiet spirit, Mellissia loved being at home and was a very gracious host during holidays and celebratory occasions. During recent years, she began to travel more, enjoying trips with her sisters and longtime friends. She enjoyed her retirement, taking up pottery, swimming, Spanish and calligraphy classes. She had a love/hate relationship with Bridge and was an avid wordsmith, often beating her sisters at Words with Friends. On Thursday, December 3, 2020, Mellissia transitioned into eternal life. She was preceded in death by her beloved brother George Bailey. She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memories a loving and devoted husband William Strong, loving daughters Nekia and Maiya Strong, loving sisters Catherine Bingham and Dina Bailey, and a host of supportive, extended family and caring friends. Mrs. Mellissia Strong, Celebration of Life services for Mrs. Strong will be held on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 12:00pm in our South Dekalb Chapel. Visitation will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2020 from 2:00pm-4:00pm also here in our South Dekalb Chapel. Due to COVID-19 WE REQUIRE MASKS IN OUR CHAPEL. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Heart Association in memory of Mellissia Strong Please express your condolences here on our website. 4347 Flat Shoals Parkway Decatur, GA 30034. (404) 241-5656.

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Mrs Mellissia Strong

September 6, 1952 - December 3, 2020