Virginia Strong, 80, of Hamden, entered eternal rest on March 22, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late James Strong.

Virginia was born on March 26, 1945, in Eutaw, Alabama, the daughter of her adoptive parents, the late Lloyd Jemison and Ora Jemison. She attended school in Birmingham, Alabama, and later went to live with her uncle and aunt, Lloyd and Ora Jemison, in Mulga, Alabama, after the passing of her grandmother, Jenny Freeman. After graduating from high school, she relocated to New Haven, Connecticut, where she gained employment.

While in Connecticut, she met her husband, and from their union, two children were born, Geraldine and Clifton.

She accepted Christ as her Savior and remained devoted to her faith, while lovingly caring for her family. Virginia was a longtime member of Bible Gospel Center in Hamden.

She leaves to cherish her loving memory: her children, Geraldine Strong and Clifton T. Strong; Shallon Johnson, Kavon Rogers, Jalyn Johnson, and Levone Gilbert, III, all of whom she raised as her grandchildren; her spiritual daughters, Elder Andrea Goins, Marguerie (Levone Gilbert), and Joan “Little Sis” Leslie; her special son and daughter, John and Lynette “Secret” Johnson; her sisters-in-law, Mary Moye and Carol Parker Strong; her lifelong friend, Janie Bradley; her godson, Corey Brookshire; and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving family members, and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her grandmother, Jenny Freeman.

A celebration of her life and legacy will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Bible Gospel Center, 143 Leeder Hill Drive, Hamden, followed by burial at Evergreen Cemetery, New Haven. Family and friends may attend a viewing at the church from 10:00 to 11:00 A.M.