of Leslie, AR
February 23, 1930 - December 20, 2023
In Loving Memory of Virginia Morene Harness.
Virginia Morene Harness of Flag, Arkansas born on February 23, 1930 in Harrison, Arkansas, gracefully departed this world at the age of 93 on December 20, 2023 in Marshall, Arkansas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lillie Mae Adams Harness and Theodore Roosevelt Harness; her brother, Harless Eugene Harness; her two sons, Rocky Brian Strong and Ricky Lynn Strong; two nephews, Harold Gene Harness and Ronnie Dale Harness; her sister-in-law, Annabelle King Harness Treece and her beloved dog, Mouse.
Morene is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Cheryl Ann Strong Hensley and Larry; her son, John Ruben Strong and his companion of many years, Ann Gorecke. She is also remembered by the father of her children, Watson L. Strong of Harrison. Morene leaves a legacy of love through her grandchildren, Ricky L. Strong, Jr. of Missouri, Justin A. Dorobati of Little Rock and Matthew D. Strong of Mississippi and 4 great-grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by her favorite niece, Sandra K. Williams of Leslie; nephew, Billy J. Harness and niece, Phyllis Branscum of Little Rock.
Morene's life touched many and she leaves behind a host of family, neighbors and friends who cherished her and will forever miss her. Raised in Flag, Arkansas, she experienced a time when bartering for supplies at the Flag Store was a way of life. Growing up, she walked everywhere, often barefoot and her early years were steeped in the authentic charm of mountain living.
An exceptional student and basketball player during her school years, Morene even earned the distinction of winning All-County Player once. Despite life's challenges, she found joy in simple pleasures and made sure to infuse fun into every situation. Morene's fondest memories were often made with her first cousins and she shared a particularly close bond with Chester Sitton of Little Rock. As she grew older she loved to ride around all over Oxley and Leslie in her little Ford Ranger. Many of her neighbors miss seeing her pass their homes. She drove until she was 92 years old, one friend even described her as an icon of the community. Morene loved animals and spoke lovingly to them as she drove down the road. She even had a turtle show up every morning in her yard for a piece of bread.
A beautiful and emotionally rich soul, Morene loved deeply and was a true mountain beauty. Her warmth extended beyond family to encompass everyone she met, earning her a reputation as a wonderful mother, friend and neighbor. Her life was a testament to resilience, strength and the enduring power of love.
As we say our goodbyes, let us remember Morene for the indelible mark she left on our hearts, the joy she brought into our lives and the love that will forever endure in our memories. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the beauty she so cherished.
Morene will be laid to rest at a graveside service Saturday morning at 10 am on December 23, 2023 in the Angora Cemetery near her childhood home with Bro. Dave Watts officiating. Bearers will be Justin Dorobati, Matthew Strong, Austin Strong, Vince LaValle, Anthony LaValle and Dustin Adams. Honorary bearer will be Chester Sitton.
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25 Condolence(s)
SCOTT TUMBLESON
Friday, December 29, 2023
so very sorry for your loss. prayers for the family.
Bruce Stewart
Sunday, December 24, 2023
Sorry for your loss. Prayers for Cheryl and family.
Phyllis Hensley
Saturday, December 23, 2023
So very sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. May the good Lord give you peace and comfort during this time.
Billie Reex
Friday, December 22, 2023
So very sorry for your loss. Prayers are with all her family and friends. Love.
debra white
Friday, December 22, 2023
Cheryl so sorry for your loss. I don’t think I ever met your Mom but I enjoyed the stories you often shared about her on FB. Prayers for you all.
Pat Halsted
Friday, December 22, 2023
I was so very sorry to see this post. Prayers of peace and comfort go out to all her children and family..... Until we are reunited in Christ Jesus.
James and Leada Horton
Friday, December 22, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss. Love and prayers for all the family.
Joyce Harris
Friday, December 22, 2023
Morene was the best with a heart of gold. She wasn't just a friend but thought of as family. She was my grandma's closest friend and my Dad loved her like a sister. Her print will always be on my heart. I know one thing for sure is Heaven is a whole lot more fun now with her there. Love goes out to the family and wish I could be there.
John massey
Friday, December 22, 2023
Sorry for family ‘s loss prayers
Sandra Williams
Friday, December 22, 2023
As look back on my childhood one person comes mine my aunt my best friend. We all spend our summers with my grandma and aunt Morene. I clung to Morene we walked the woods together picking blue berries. We walked the roads. She taught me so much. She could talk you through anything. She could make you laugh. She was nonjudgmental. The last few years of her life we drive the dirt roads. I never new for sure where we would end up. I will miss going to aunt morene home. My second mom. I love you and will always miss you.
Julie Netland
Friday, December 22, 2023
Prayers Cheryl so sorry for your loss
Melissa Tyler
Friday, December 22, 2023
I don’t know what I will do with my day without her asking me if I’ve seen Cheryl Ann. Such a character and sweet spirit. I will miss that sassy pants. Love and prayers and my condolences Cheryl and family.
Shawna & Johnny Wilbanks
Friday, December 22, 2023
Cheryl, John & Families-
I am so sorry to hear that Morene passed away. She was a sweetheart and always had a smile. She will be dearly missed in our community! I pray that God will provide comfort and peace in the hard days to come. Love and hugs from us.
Rosemary Laudett
Friday, December 22, 2023
Cheryl and John, I am so sorry. I always loved your mom. She was such a sweet person and had a wonderful sense of humor. Praying for the family.
Loretta Horton
Friday, December 22, 2023
My mother worked for Morene and Watson at their cafe in Harrison about 1958 before we all moved to Harrison She was such a joy to be around She cooked at the Leslie cafe when I worked at the little sewing factory and I looked forward to lunch every day Wonderful chicken and noodles!
Mary Harris
Friday, December 22, 2023
My thought and prayers are with all of the family. May the Lord comfort you as only he can.
Dan McGuire
Friday, December 22, 2023
I am very sorry. I know she will sadly missed.
Jami Patterson
Friday, December 22, 2023
Cheryl, so sorry for your loss!
Janita S King
Friday, December 22, 2023
Cheryl and family,
I’m so sorry for the loss of this sweet lady. You are all in my thoughts and prayers as you go through the days ahead.
Shane and Cynthia Smith
Friday, December 22, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss. She will be missed
Roger Massey
Friday, December 22, 2023
Morene was a special lady. My Mom thought the world of her. God bless you all.
Mazie Lee
Friday, December 22, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss and will pray for comfort.
Ruthie Ann Ward
Friday, December 22, 2023
She was a dear friend and a great role model. I love her dearly and will have a hole in my life now without her.
I know she is praising the Lord in Heaven and cuddling with mouse!!!
Wesley and Loretta Smith
Friday, December 22, 2023
John and Cheryl, we are very sorry for your loss. Morene will be missed by a lot of people around Oxley and Leslie. We thought a lot of her
Lisa Jones Stewart
Friday, December 22, 2023
Cheryl, I am so sorry for your loss!!