Annemaria Veronika Strong

She was born on August 23, 1949, in Ochsenfurt, Germany, to Maria Margareta Gernert. In 1974, she immigrated to the United States with her then-husband, Harvey Strong, Sr., and worked tirelessly to build a new life. In October 1997, she proudly became a U.S. citizen—an achievement she pursued with perseverance and pride.

Annie was a devoted and loving mother to Carmen Shepherd (John), Harvey Strong, Jr. (Taiwania), Yevette West (James III), Bianca Strong (Keith ~ 2014), and Michaela Gernert (Germany). She was the cherished grandmother of Kezarae (Paris), Waniisha, Jamecia, Keith, James IV, Naila, Jalen, Sydney, Jayel, John III, Tyraya, and the great-grandmother of Desmond and a host of other relatives and life-long friends.

She was a long-time and faithful member of Washington Community Fellowship Church, where she worshipped and served for over 40 years. Annie spent 28 years as a dedicated employee at the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, where she was known for her reliability, warmth, and a servant’s heart. During this period, she generously volunteered her time at the Capitol Hill Pregnancy Center.

Annie found joy in life’s simple pleasures: crocheting blankets and potholders, folding everyone’s clothes, scrolling Facebook, baking cakes and brownies to share, lending a hand at her daughters’ schools, and preparing her world-famous German potato salad. She especially loved watching her grandchildren play sports and supporting them in everything they did.

She will be remembered for her unmistakable German accent (understood fully by just a few), her joyful, out-loud laughter, her adventurous spirit, and her signature sayings like “Where you at, aye?” and “What the hilly-billy?” Annie always had an opinion and spoke her mind (in truth and love). With coffee in hand, she never turned down a road trip and brought joy and humor wherever she went.

Annemaria leaves behind a legacy of faith, generosity, strength, and love. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, church community, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A visitation will be held on October 6, 2025, at 10:00 am at the Washington Community Fellowship Church, located at 907 Maryland Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002. This will be followed by a funeral service at the same location, commencing at 11:00 am.