Rev. Jean Strong of Coplay passed away in her home surrounded by her family on January 17, 2019, following a long illness. Rev. Jean Strong was born on December 19, 1941, in Bethlehem.  She was 77 years old.  Rev. Strong was an Evangelist, an ordained minister and a Licensed Practical Nurse.  She attended St. Luke's School of Nursing and Eastern Pilgrim College in Allentown.  Active in her ministry over 50 years, she was a pastor of the Second Traditional Missionary Baptist Church, Bethlehem, for ten years.  She worked at St. Luke's Hospital for ten years then at Lehigh Valley Hospital for 35 years until retiring.

She was musician, singer and song writer.  She was a major part of the Strong Sisters, recently named the Strong Sisters Plus One.  Involved with many choirs, Jean was part of the Zionets, the Pearls of Joy of  St. James A.M.E. Zion Church and the Community Gospel Chorus of  Second Baptist Church Bethlehem. She was a licensed preacher in both churches.  She also participated as a guest conductor with her sister Faith for the 250th Anniversary "Bethlehem Sings".

She is predeceased by her parents, Rev. Eugene Sr. and Sarah Strong, two sisters in infancy, June and May, and recently her brother Eugene Strong, Jr. on July 21, 2018.  She leaves behind her sisters, Faith P. Strong and Ella O. Capers and husband Michael Capers; a brother, Gregory V. Strong, all of Coplay; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews.  She will be missed by all who loved her.

A Homegoing Celebration will be held Saturday, January 26, at noon in the Pearson Funeral Home, 1901 Linden Street, Bethlehem.  Family and friends may call from 11 a.m. until noon.  Online condolences may be sent to www.pearsonfh.com.