John Henry Strong was born and raised in Okmulgee, Oklahoma; where he attended school and enjoyed life.  John enjoyed hanging out with his friends, shooting pool, swimming and playing dominoes.  Later, during his life, John developed a personal relationship with the Lord and regardless if the weather was hot, raining or cold, he faithfully attended church, whenever he was not hospitalized.  He truly enjoyed hearing the word of GOd and fellowshipping with his church family.

John's grandchildren fondly referred to him as "Papaw", and loved to hear him talk, as he called it, "Bay Ta Taw" (talking crazy); which is how he loved to entertain everyone.  John was a kindhearted person, who had many friends and family who assisted in looking out for his well-being.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Jess and Hazel Wilkins-Strong, two sisters, Queen Esther Jordan and Mary Ann Strong, and four brothers, Nathaniel, Joe, Floyd and Lennel Strong.

John is survived by his sister, Dorothy Strong-Richmond and sister-in-law, Isabelle (Joe) Strong, both of Oklahoma, his daughter, Sheneta Ross of Kansas, step sons, Billy (Tusha) and Earnest (Geno) both of California, grandchildren, Mystic and Robbie Ross of Kansas, David Woodruff of Oklahoma, and grandchildren who reside in California, Earnest, Evette, Joseph, and Arieanna Woodruff, Jonathan Drouault (Samantha), Samuel and Ashley Abernathy-Parham and  six great-grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Sharon Woodruff and John "will always remain soul mates."  She will miss her monthly dates with John where they enjoyed a good T-bone or Rib-eyed Steak together, either at home or at a restaurant.

A Memorial Service is scheduled Saturday, September 9, 2017, 11:00 a.m., Love International Christian Ministries, 710 N. Hillman St., Okmulgee, OK.