Doris “Dee Dee” Strong

Reflections of a Blessed Life...

Dorris Ann "Dee Dee" Strong was the only child born to Eleanor Jewel Strong and Nathan Palmer Jr. on July 3, 1954, in Kilgore, Texas. She was reared in a Christian home on a farm in EAST TEXAS Oil Fields with her grandparents, Collie B. and Mary Lee Strong along with aunts, uncles, and cousins. She departed this earthly life and took up eternal residence with her LORD and SAVIOR, JESUS the CHRIST, on March 4, 2023.

Dee Dee confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and joined the New Mount Calvary Baptist Church in Kilgore, Texas. She joined Concord Church when she moved to Dallas and served for many years before joining her present church, St. Paul Baptist Church where she served faithfully. She was a member of Women's Ministry and had just been a speaker the Saturday before her death. She loved children and taught 3" graders in Children's Church, and Vacation Bible School. She faithfully and joyfully served as a member of the St. Paul Baptist Church Greeter Ministry, Adult Sunday School Class, Mission II, Wednesday night Bible Study student and gave her testimony each year at the SPBC's Pink Ribbon weekend for cancer survivors.

Her extended Christian service included serving as a founding member of the C&M Strong Christian Ministries and Outreach, where she served as a Teacher, Registrar, Nurse, and Hospitality Coordinator.

Dee Dee began her education at North Chapel Elementary School in Kilgore, Texas and graduated from Madison High School in Dallas, Texas. She later received Medical Training received a Sign Language certificate to benefit her interactions with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

She met and married Ellis (Pete) McKnight and became a military wife moving to live in Germany for many years.

Born to this marriage were two sons Brian and Marcus McKnight. Ellis (Pete) preceded her in death.

Her career path included American Airlines, J.P. Morgan and her present employer Parallon Healthcare.

Dee Dee exemplified LOVE for all and had a passion for family, education, humanity, and equality. Her faith encouraged so many and she served as registrar for the Strong Family Reunion for more than 30 years. She shared her love for children as our future leaders by providing financial support to ensure that children had food to eat, clothing, and most of all a roof over their heads. She loved all people and helped everyone in any way that she could.

Dee Dee is now at peace resting in the redemptive love of the LORD. She was preceded in death by her mother Eleanor Jewel Strong Jackson; her father, Nathan Palmer Jr. and stepfather Charles Jackson and grandson Cruz McKnight.

Her glorious life is celebrated by her sons, Brian McKnight and Marcus McKnight (Tami); stepsisters, Constance and Jackie Jackson; her grandchildren - Bria, Isaiah, Malia, Tatiana, and Santana McKnight and Deja Clay. Memories of Dorris (Dee Dee's) life will always be cherished and she will be greatly missed by her family and extended family and loved ones: Aunts- Amy Palmer Samples, Imatha Strong Wright, Estella Strong, Gary Strong Samples, Martha Jefferson and one uncle, Bobby Strong; and a host of cousins from the Strong and Palmer lineages, numerous friends, colleagues, and her St. Paul Church family.