Shirley Knibb Strong

Shirley Knibb Strong passed away on Dec. 4, 2016 in Arlington Virginia, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born on September 18, 1926, in Richmond, Virginia, and grew up in Richmond and Baltimore, with many visits to Goochland County, Virginia. She is survived by her son William (Deborah), daughter Judith (Paul Bowen), daughter-in-law Karen, sister Miriam Tyrie, grandchildren Alexandra Bowen and Richard Bowen, and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles Lowell and son Robert Lowell. After graduating from the University of Maryland with a degree in bacteriology, she worked for several years as a researcher at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center. She was a long-time resident of Fairfax City, raising her children there and devoting herself to political work for the Democratic Party as a grass roots organizer, precinct chairwoman, committee member and poll watcher. She was also a long-time member of the League of Women Voters. She loved spending time at the ocean, and in her later years she enjoyed travel and volunteering at the Fairfax Museum. She will be remembered for her zest for life and her passion for justice. Visitation will be Friday December 9 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Demaine Funeral Home in Fairfax City. Funeral services at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday December 10.