Betty K. McMahan Strong

COLUMBUS, GEORGIA- Betty K. McMahan Strong, age 76, passed away on Sunday, March 6, 2011 at her residence. Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary, 4071 Macon Rd., Columbus at 3:00 PM with Rev. Billy Duncan officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 6:00 - 8:00 PM.

Mrs. Strong was born on December 5, 1934 in Mayo, Florida to the late Little L. and Lillie V. Kirkland. She was raised in Perry, Florida before moving to Albany, Georgia from where she moved to Columbus in 1968. Mrs. Strong was employed in the construction business for over 30 years. She was a life member of VFW Post 665 Ladies Auxiliary, a member of Friends Unlimited, the National Association of Women in Construction and a member of BPOE #111 of Columbus. She was a member of Beallwood Baptist Church in Columbus. Mrs. Strong was preceded in death by her husband, Lt. Col Berkeley J. Strong and two brothers, Jerry Kirkland and Freddie Kirkland.

Mrs. Strong was very blessed by the company and companionship of Dr. Thomas J. Wentland. He helped fill her later years with love and laughter.

Survivors include a son, Richard T. McMahan (Claire) of Seale, AL; two daughters, Regina B. Taylor (Randy) of Winter Haven, FL and Beverly M. Hammer (Richard) of Fortson, GA; five grandchildren, Heather Davenport (Mike) of Columbus, GA, Michael Taylor of New York City, Jennifer Taylor-Miller (Keith) of New York City, Daniel Taylor of Miami, FL and Holly McMahan Robinson (Cliff) of Salem, AL; three great-grandchildren, Noah Richard, Taylor Grace Shelton and Chloe Hope Davenport, all of Columbus, GA; a sister, Patricia Sue Coker (Elmer) of Perry, FL; two brothers, Robert K. Kirkland (Rita) of Hilliard, FL and L.L. "Sonny" Kirkland (Janie) of Darlington, SC; a sister-in-law, Faye Kirland of Perry, Fl; several nieces and nephews and her beloved dog, Laney. Memorial contributions may be made to Columbus Hospice at www.columbushospice.com. Please visit www.shcolumbus.com to express condolences.