Janet Dowdy Strong, 58, of Huntsville/Monrovia passed away early Thursday, July 7, 2022, after a 7 year battle with Multiple System Atrophy (initially diagnosed as Parkinson’s Disease). Janet was born December 27, 1963, to Donald Bright Dowdy and Carolyn Jo Sprayberry in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The family soon moved to Florence, Alabama where she graduated from Coffee High School in 1982. After a year abroad as an exchange student in France, she attended Auburn University graduating with a degree in Industrial Engineering. Accepting a job at 3M, she moved to Decatur. A few years later she accepted a job to work at NASA in Mission Operations and moved to Huntsville. In March of 1994, she married Horace Nunley Strong IV after meeting at a 4th of July celebration the previous year. With so many mutual friends, they always wondered why it took so long for their paths to eventually cross. Janet made numerous employment changes through the years working for Morgan Research, NASA again, licensed massage therapist, Rodan and Fields Representative, as well as serving many years as Elections Coordinator at the local precinct.
Janet enjoyed spending time with friends and was always ready to “GO”. Orange Beach in the spring and/or fall was just one of her favorite places. Family vacations were enjoyed time together, whether skiing at Steamboat or cruising the Caribbean. Many other trips were associated with kids activities. Travel with family, friends, church missions and work carried her to many destinations and countries.
Serving and spending time with God was very important. At Mt. Zion Baptist, Janet taught and served in the youth for many years until a fill-in position led to her final opportunity, teaching a Senior Adult Ladies class. That class created many new friendships and prepared her for the changes that would rapidly come as a result of the disease progress. Janet also served on church committees to include weekday education, long range planning, building and many search committees. Janet taught and mentored numerous along the way.
Janet and Nunley have 2 recently married children, Carolyn “Cara” Strong McClendon and husband, Matthew, of Huntsville, and Horace Nunley “Quinn” Strong V and wife, Camille, of Hoover. Janet is survived by her husband, children, mother, of Ringgold, Georgia, mother-in law, Judy Strong of Huntsville, Aunt Marian Sprayberry of Ringgold, Georgia, and Aunt Katherine Dowdy of Signal Mountain, Tennessee. She is also survived by a brother, David Dowdy, of Tuscaloosa, sister-in-law, Kelly Strong Brewer and her husband, Carlton, and brother-in-law, Dale Strong and his wife, Laura, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 12, 2022 at Mount Zion Baptist Church with the Rev. Ron Madison officiating. Burial will be in Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made in memory of Janet Strong to Mount Zion Special Project Fund, 228 Mt. Zion Road, Huntsville, AL 35806 or to Rock Steady Boxing Rocket City, 2200 Drake Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35805.
