Mary L. Strong

Mary L. Strong died peacefully in her home in Alexandria, on August 5, 2016. Born in Aberdeen, NC, on September 16, 1920, she was the daughter of James and Almira Lineberry.
She grew up in Raleigh and moved to Alexandria with the migration of young women who came to help with the war effort in the early 1940's. Her 30-year career with the Department of the Army was spent mostly at the Engineer School in Fort Belvoir, where she rose above the secretarial ranks when that was the exception rather than the rule.
In retirement, she traveled the world and was active in her church. She was married to the late Col. James Donald Strong and is survived by two daughters, Kathleen Rutledge and Patricia Bell, and a granddaughter, Caroline Bell-Luehrs, as well as by her beloved caretaker, Najia Gainous.
The funeral will be held on Friday August 12, at 3 p.m. at the Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, 2006 Belle View Blvd., Alexandria, VA; viewing from 2-3 p.m. Interment will be at Arlington National National Cemetery at a later date.
Contributions in her memory may be made to the Mt. Vernon UMC Endowment Fund at the above address. Services by Old Town Funeral Choices, www.funeralchoices.com.