We cannot feel life's losses without first feeling the blessings of it's fullness. Mr. Strong and I spent hours and miles on the highways trying to help young students get in college when we were teachers  at East Side High School.

Arlander Boyd

To:  The  Strong and Montgomery Family

Please accept our heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
   May God give you peace that surpasses all understanding.

My deepest condolences to the family. Mr. Strong as we called him was a superb band director and I loved being in his High School Band in MS many years ago. He helped  a bunch of us band members get college scholarships. My family and I thought very highly of him. What a contribution he made on this earth for so many. 

Thelma Boggan Harrington 

My condolences and prayers go out to the Family of Mr. Strong.  As a member of the East Side High School band from the 4th Grade through Graduation.  I have many fond memories of Mr. Strong’s Dedication to music excellence and inspiring band members to be the best that they could be.  The many Awards that the East Side High Band won under his direction and the number of his band members who went on the participate in music at the University Level and beyond is a testimony to the impact that he had on so many students.  His legacy will live on in my life and I believe in the lives of many others.  God’s Blessing to his Family.  May he Rest in Peace. 
Robert Crawford-Houston, Texas 
East Side High Class of 1967  


Mr.strong was one of the most funniest and caring teacher I knew at Treadwell he always had a lot of energy and concern for his students he will truly be missed for his kind different and supportive ways towards the eagles of treadwell he was definitely dedicated 🙏prayers to the family and friends ❤️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️

So sorry for this loss. Mr. Strong touched so many people. He was definitely a second father figure in my life as a teen. He did not mince his words. I have many memories about my time in his classes from 1999 to 2003, from him always giving one student a uniform a size or two too small, to us kids making him cry happy tears by wining first place in the Germantown Christmas parade.  He had a talent when it came to music. I wanted so badly to play the trumpet and he looked at me with a serious face and said Clarinet. I was first chair for three years. He will be truly missed. 

My sincere condolences to the family. I remember you vividly even after 30 years. Go rest on that Mountain High. 

Tou T. Lee
THS C/O 1993 


Mr. Strong, sleep on and rest. Your Band student. Reverend  Gemmy W. Tyson. From East Side High School.  Olive Branch, Ms.

I am praying for Mr. Strong's family, friends, and every former student you inspired. He was a positive influence in my life. I will forever be grateful for your leadership and mentorship!!Rest peacefully Mr. Strong you truly left a beautiful legacy. 

Sending my very heart felt condolences . Rest in love Mr. Strong. 

My condolences go out to the Strong family. I was blessed to be a part of Treadwell High School’s band under the leadership of Mr. Strong for six years. We had so many fun memories that we will forever hold on to. Mr. Strong had a loving and caring heart. He was sincere about leading youth in the right direction, no matter how much he had to fuss and stay on them. He just wanted them to make it in life. On the first day that I entered into that band room, Mr. Strong knew what instruments he would have me to play. See, Mr. Strong could look at you and he could tell what instrument was for you to play. Well, mine was the clarinet. During the summer he put me on the tenor saxophone, so that I could learn to play multiple instruments. I must say I did love the clarinet and was stuck with it the entire six years. Because of his guidance and teachings, he said that I would be that section leader and I would teach my section any new music. When Mr. Strong trusted you, he didn’t have to worry. He knew in his gut that he made the right choice of assigning you to that position. I appreciate everything he taught, and instilled in me. Mr. Strong, your work is done. You were a great Christian man, music teacher, and director of THS Band. You may now rest peacefully. 

I am so sorry your loss.  Mr. Strong was a remarkable teacher.

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Strong, but overjoyed by the fact that he was 90 years young.  I was in band from 87-88 and was assigned the Oboe, of all instruments.  He used a pursed lip technique to determine which musical instrument would work best for us.  Seemed odd at the time, but he definitely knew what he was doing.  Mr. Strong was a great leader that truly cared about his students.  His legacy lives on through all who learned to read, write, and play music. Thank you for sowing into the Treadwell Community. 
 You will truly be missed! 

My thoughts and prayers are with his family, colleagues and friends.  Rest in love, Mr. Cleotha R.  Strong.

Wow! Mr. Strong lived a long life, and I can tell why. He truly loved his students, even if we didn't realize it at the time. He was dedicated and rarely missed a day. He always had great things to say about me to my mom and he would get you back on track if you needed it. I know he was a God fearing man because it showed through and through. My prayers are with the family at this time. 



Mrs. Strong and the entire Strong Family, we extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences for the transitioning of Mr. Strong.  May God comfort y’all during this most difficult time of bereavement. “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matthew 5:4 KJV.  

🙏🏾 Your Lifelong Friends/Church Members
 “Nellie L. Ausby,  Roxie P. Ball,  Callie A. Hammonds”


I’ve often thought of Mr. Strong over the years even stopped in to see him later in life before he retired of course. After all those years passed he knew who I was. He was a wonderful teacher and mentor. God smiled I know to see him. My condolences to his family. Thank you for sharing him with us. Always an Eagle Mr. Cleotha Roy Strong…

Condolences to the family. I will never forget the wisdom and values of life he taught me. He did not play about me. He said you will be great in life, create your own path because we have not been afforded many. He meant that with every fiber and l still live by that to this day. You will be missed.💙

I remember walking in the band room with a pair of drum sticks wanting to be a drummer. Mr Strong just took them and put them in his drawer and told me that I’m going to play the trombone. I was hurt lol but he taught me how to play and I loved it. 95 to 99 I was in class with his daughter. I hope she doing ok 😢

Mr. Strong was our High School Band Director for Treadwell High School and I enjoyed his directing and leading us in 1972-1973. He was a very dedicated musician and he made us all proud of the instrument and music we played. He will always be identified as a Great Teacher. May his family and friends receive comfort and peace through this and may God guide all of them.


Mr. Strong was such an influential part of so many young lives as the the band teacher/director at Treadwell High School. Thank you sir for dedication to your students. I've nothing but fond memories of you from my high school days. God bless and comfort your family and all who loved you in this time of sorrow. ✌️

Mr. Strong was my band director at Treadwell from 1970 until graduation in 1975.  Not only was he my teacher - he was my friend.  He was an encourager to all his students. 

OBITUARY

Cleotha Roy Strong

April 17, 1932 – March 27, 2023

M. J. Edwards - Whitehaven Funeral Chapel

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