Murl Poole Strong

Murl Poole Strong, 89, of Olla, Louisiana passed from this life on March 16, 2016, at St. Francis Medical Center after a brief illness. She was born in the Homochitto community of Amite County, Mississippi on July 30, 1926. She graduated from Crosby High School in Crosby, Mississippi and attended Southwest Junior College in Summitt, Mississippi where she was an outstanding basketball player. In 1948 she married O.B. Strong, Sr. The two made a home in Olla, Louisiana where they founded and operated O.B. Strong Timber Co. and raised their three children. Mrs. Strong was an avid follower of LaSalle High School athletics and a dedicated member of the LSU TAF for over 25 years. She was also a devoted member of the Olla United Methodist Church where she served on the administrative board for over 60 years. She was the first director of Olla Head Start. She was an active member of the Pinewood Garden Club of Olla. She enjoyed playing bridge and spending time with her family. She is survived by her son, Omer B. Strong, Jr. (Janice); daughters, Jackie Strong Whatley ( Tom) and DeAnna Strong Martisius (Dan); grandchildren, Lauren Whatley, Sarah Whatley Roark (Jay), Andrew Strong (Emily), Ben Martisius, and Mazie Martisius. She has three great-grandsons, Cooper and Eli Roark and Owen Strong. She is also survived by brothers-in-law, Billy J. Strong (Carolyn), and Dr. David H. Strong (Debra); sisters-in-law, Nelda Strong, Ann Strong, and Gayle Poole, and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, O.B. Strong, Sr.; parents, F.L. (Boss) Poole and Mazie Huff Poole; brother, Oliver L. Poole, Sr.; and sister, Avis Jean Poole. She is also preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Lavon B. Strong and Raiford G. Strong; and sister-in-law, Jeanette Strong Hood (Johnny). Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Visitation will be at the Olla United Methodist Church on Friday, March 18, 2016, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM. Services conducted by Reverend Aaron Carpenter, will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, March 19, 2016. Graveside service will follow at Roseland Cemetery in Gloster, Mississippi at 4:00 PM. Services will be directed by Riser Funeral Home of Olla. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Olla United Methodist Church.