Shirley J. Strong

Shirley J. Strong

Deansboro-Shirley Jean Strong, 88, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at her home,  with the love and support of her family at her side, after battling a two year illness.

She was born in Blossvale on February 17, 1935, the daughter of the late Homer and Martha Jones Hilliker. Shirley was a graduate of Camden High School.  On July 3, 1954, in North Bay, Shirley married Gilbert A. Strong Sr; their loving and precious union last 60 years until Gil’s passing in 2014. She retired from Alcott’s Greenhouses and had previously worked at Oneida Limited, Chesebrough Ponds, and Oneida Container.  Shirley was born with  a“Green Thumb” and truly loved working at Alcott’s.  At home she would grow beautiful flower baskets and house plants, that were her pride and joy.   Shirley was a member of the Oriskany Falls United Methodist Church. Shirley and Gil enjoyed spending their winters in North Port and Zephier Hills, Florida as “Snowbirds,” until the early 2000’s.  She was proud of the family that she and Gil raised. Her children, and their spouses, along with her grandchildren and great grandchildren made her journey through life complete.

Shirley is survived her beloved children Gilbert A. “Butch” Strong, Jr., and his wife, Patricia, of Deansboro, Karen Diliberto, of Macedon, and William Strong, and his wife, Diane, of Madison; her sisters-in-law, Barbara (Lewis) Mennig, of Munnsville, and June Strong of Mt. Juliet, TN; Janet Strong of Knoxboro, Mary Strong of Interlochen, FL, Michelle Strong of Bouckville; her brothers-in-law, William Strong, of Knoxboro, and Robert (Lori) Strong, of Oneida; her beloved grandchildren; Andrea (Stephen) , Jeremy (Renee), Amanda (Brer), Amy, Lisa, Jennifer, Kerry (Shawn), Kristi (Eric), and Kimberly.  Shirley is also survived by 19 great grandchildren: Alexandria. Dylan, Connor, Luke, Rylan, Stephen,  Kyle, Jayden, Payson, River, Spencer, Brianna, Faith, Steven, Jackson, Skylar, Marley, Blake, and Braelynn; and many nieces; nephews; and other family members.

She was predeceased by her parents Homer and Martha; her beloved husband and soul mate Gil; her siblings: Harold (Agnes), Donald (Mert), Norman (Verna), Edmund (Katherine), Audrey (Russ), Patricia (Robert), and Joyce (Sam); also was predeceased by her in laws:  Charles (Audrey), Keith (Virginia), Carlton (Charlotte),  Laverne (Ann), Theodore (Patricia), David, Dickey, Robert “Gary” (Patricia), Dickey, and Gilford, Phyllis, Lewis, Kay (Casey), Judy, and a great grandson, Noah.

Shirley’s family will gather privately to honor her life with a graveside service in Hillside Cemetery, Oriskany Falls. In keeping with her wishes,there will be no calling hours.   Shirley and her family are being provided personal and professional care by Jeffrey T. Paul, Director of the Paul Funeral Home of Madison. To offer a condolence, please visit: paulfuneralhome.net

Please no flowers, but kindly consider a donation in Shirley’s name to the Oriskany Falls United Methodist Church, Oriskany Falls, N.Y. 13425.

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