Annette Strong

Annette (Zohar) Strong of Biloxi passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, 26 December. She is preceded in death by her husband, the Honorable Bruce C. Strong, her parents Joda Zohar (father) and Mesoda Zohar (mother) from Tel Aviv, her siblings Adolf Zohar, Charlo Zohar, and Simone Pizzo (Sam) also from Tel Aviv.

She is survived by her children James Strong (Sammi), Jerry Strong (Rose), and Katherine Myers (Patrick), her grandchildren Shannon Strong, Madison Strong, Aaron Strong, Cory Myers, Richard Myers and Sara Myers and sister-in-law Rosa Zohar.

Annette lived a unique but very fulfilling life. Born in Casablanca, Morocco, she grew up with very little. Working as a child in a shoe factory and later as a seamstress, she endured long, hard hours to help support her family. She also lived through extremely adverse conditions as WWII engulfed her hometown. She often found refuge by hiding under the floors in her own home.

After the war, she had to continue working to help her family make ends meet. In August, 1955, she met her husband Bruce, an Air Force member, who gave her a few quarters to play a slot machine. With the coins he gave her, she hit the jackpot on the machine and knew there was something special about him. After 3 years of courtship, they got married at Nouasseur Air Base, Morocco.  In 1958, they transferred to the U.S. where they would spend the next 64 years together.

Annette did not have a formal education nor did she read or write English.  However, that would not stop her, and she was determined to take care of her family.  She didn’t shy away from work and didn’t have a lazy bone in her body.  Together with Bruce, they bought, refurbished and rented mobile homes to provide for their children.  On numerous occasions, you would find both of them working side-by-side digging trenches, repairing water lines and taking care of her tenants.  And at the end of the day, she still had the drive and stamina to care for their 3 children at home.

She was an amazing woman with a remarkable business sense.  Annette kept a tight grip on the purse strings but always managed to take care of her family’s needs first.  She also had a passion for her church and helping others in Biloxi and the surrounding areas.  Bruce and Annette were inseparable when it came to fund-raisers and her “World Famous Hush Puppies” were so delicious and coveted, they attracted people from across the entire Gulf Coast.

“Maw Maw” had a heart of gold.  She always tried to take care of those closest to her.  For those who knew her, they’ll never forget her outspoken mannerisms and feisty spirit.   She was truly one-of-a kind.

On behalf of Annette and her family, they want to extend their appreciation to all of the caregivers who watched over her, protected her and loved her as if she were their own mom.  A special, heart-felt “Thank You” goes out to Rhonda, Jennifer and Stephanie.  They would also like to thank Cortney, Brittany and Tracy Ladner from Kare In Home Hospice staff who cared for her with such compassion and love until she passed. A special thank you to Dr. Tiffany Byrd and the Internal Medicine Clinic at Keesler Air Force Base for their love, dedication, and support.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, December 30, 2021, at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 2090 Pass Road, Biloxi, with the visitation for family and friends starting at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be on Friday, December 31, 2021 at Biloxi National Cemetery.  Please meet at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 274 Beauvoir Road, Biloxi, to follow in procession by 8:15 a.m.

The family asks that all visitors wear masks during visitation and the church service.  For those unable to attend, the mass and committal will be live streamed. (See Riemann website for link: riemannfamily.com)

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the local Saint Vincent DePaul Society. https://ssvpusa.org/

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Biloxi is proud to serve the Strong family.

An online obituary may be viewed and memories shared at www.riemannfamily.com