Vera Viola Strong

Vera Viola Strong, 96, of Freeport, died Saturday June 25, 2011 in her home. She was born on June 25, 1915 in Ridott, Ill., the daughter of Henry and Ida (Ackerman) Fairbairn. Vera married David L. Strong on September 28, 1937 in Dubuque, Iowa. Mr. Strong died on September 1, 2007. Mrs. Strong was a charter member of Freeport Baptist which is now Bible Community Church. Mrs. Strong worked as a bookkeeper at the church, which her son founded. Survivors include her son, Rev. Kurt (Bonnie) Strong of Freeport, two sisters; Ruby Obenchain and Marjorie Wilhelms both of Freeport. Grandchildren; Jeremy (Daysi) Strong of Carol Stream, Daniel (Jennifer) Strong of Lebanon, Indiana and Amanda (Scott) Kolcharno of Rockford. Also surviving are a 11 great-grandchildren; Brenda and Karina Grimaldo, Noah and Matteo Strong, Victoria, Josiah, Elijah, Elizabeth and Isaac Strong, Isaiah and Samantha Kolcharno. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, daughter, Lois Jean Strong and granddaughter Jodi Lynn Strong, Two brothers, Earl and Vernon Fairbairn and her sister, Emma Gramley. Funeral Services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday July 1, 2011 in Bible Community Church, Freeport with Rev. Jimmy Coleman officiating. Visitation will be Thursday 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. There will also be a visitation 10:00 A.M. until the time of service Friday at Bible Community Church. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery. A memorial has been established for Bible Community Church in her memory. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign the online guestbook.