Mrs. Corinne Strong

Corinne Gwendolyn (Vann) Strong, 95, peacefully passed away at home on April 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born September 14, 1928, in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma to Pearl Walker Vann and Willie Vann, Sr.. On that day, the doctor said, “Oh, she’s not going to make it” and put her aside. God had other plans. Her grandmother went to her and worked on her, and she lived for over 95 years! She had the brightest eyes and was nicknamed, “Bright.” Both parents and all of her siblings (Frank Moore, Sue Vann, Lois Gunn, Willie Vann, Jr., Joe Vann, Charlene Vann White, Florence Ford Purvey, Sadie Owen Smith, Luther Vann) and her two sons, Kevin and Steven Strong preceded her in death. Corinne grew up in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma and after her mother’s early death, was sent to the Deaf, Blind, and Orphan Institute in the all-Black town of Taft, Oklahoma. It was there where she met the love of her life. She graduated from Moton High School in 1946. In 1947, on October 15th, she married her high school sweetheart, Willie Strong, and they moved to Kansas City, Missouri. They remained married until Corinne’s passing—over 76 years! 76 years!! To this union, four children were born: Sharon, Saundra, Kevin, and Steven. Corinne worked for the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) when their kids were young, worked as a caretaker for infants and children in their home, and when her sons became of school age, began working for the Kansas City School District that afforded her the ability to be at home with them when there was no school. She worked at Bryant Elementary School, Faxon Elementary School, Westport Middle School, and retired as Registrar after many years at Southwest High School. Those co-workers would remain friends and got together often for lunch. Corinne had a beautiful spirit and engaging smile. She actually had more “children” than she could count as she was deemed a mother-figure to many. Whether in a school building or in the neighborhood, “Ms. Strong” was always available to impart her wisdom to others. Corinne and Willie’s children accepted the fact early on that their parents were indeed special and didn’t mind ‘sharing’ their parents with others. Corinne was an excellent cook and a snazzy dresser! Regardless how she was dressed, her inner beauty always shined through. She loved to cook, and her family loved that she did! Corinne was also a HUGE Kansas City Chiefs fan and was a Season Ticket Holder for over 20 years! Win or lose, she never waivered. Corinne joined Allen Chapel AME Church (now Allen St. John AME) shortly after the Church moved to its current location—in the 1960s and it became a family affair. Corinne was an active member of the Trustee Helpers Club, taught Vacation Bible School, and later served as an Usher until her health prevented her from doing so. Left with special memories to cherish is her husband of over 76 years, Willie Strong of the home, daughters Sharon and Saundra Strong of the City, grandsons: Brian Strong, Darelle Grady Strong, Sr., Kevin Strong, Jr., and Steven Strong, Jr.; granddaughters: Allyssa Strong (Sharquese), Sydnee Strong; great-granddaughters: Britney Strong, Brianna Strong, and Naudiah Grady Strong; great-grandsons: Tyler Strong, Brice Strong, and Darelle Grady (Strong), Jr., great-great-grandsons, Kingston and Kross Strong, and great-great-granddaughters: Analissia and Angelique Brobst, and a host of special nieces/nephews/family/friends that she loved very much and others with special memories to hold dear. Funeral services Monday, May 6, at 11:00am at Allen/ St. John A.M.E. Church Interment Brooking Cem. Visitation 9:00am-11:00am at the church.. Service conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may shared on our website.

Mrs. Corinne Strong

September 14, 1928 - April 23, 2024