Al, I just found out that Sonny and Prudy have died. I am so sorry for your loss.      Paula Behabetz

I knew Prudy mainly through Noelle.  The first time I met Noelle, at the beginning of our freshman year in college almost 40 years ago, she was lovingly imitating her mother's warning, in that gorgeous southern accent, not to be tempted by any evil indulgences in college.

Most of what I know about Prudy now, after 40 years of being Noelle's friend, is like that -- what she said and how she said it -- the kind of advice and praise she continued to give Noelle and sometimes her friends, in that elegant voice and using that gift she had for language.  Perhaps it was always a challenge to Noelle, and maybe to everyone, to live as graciously as possible, in every sense of the word, and to pay attention to the little things, to cherish people.  I was lucky to have Noelle and Mark and Prudy and Alan and Emma with us one Christmas not that long ago, and I felt forever graced (that word keeps coming up) by the attention she paid to us and by her praise of our little house, about which I think she also had some good advice.  And later she gave us a wedding gift that showed she was thinking about exactly what we needed for our next Christmas.  

It seems that Prudy really was a rare person, and her old-fashioned and elegant ways were from another world, but I also I know that grace and attention to detail and to people lives on, especially in Noelle.

Sending hugs and love to Alan and Noelle and Mark and Emma, and the rest of the family!

I have had the pleasure of knowing Prudy since Noelle and I met in Westport, Connecticut in 9th Grade.  There were many sleepovers at the Strong's beautiful house and Prudy had to put up with all of our teenage shenanigans!  She and Al were very kind to me and I remember many lovely times with them at the Marriott.  I also have many memories of conversations with Prudy about God and I remember her as a woman of deep faith, from whom I learned a lot.

Over the years, Prudy was very charming, complimentary and hospitable to me when I would visit.  She was very supportive of my recovery journey and at times when I was a bit lost in life, she regularly told me that I could come and live with her and Al in North Carolina .... and I believe she meant that.  It is rare to meet someone so interested in others and I will remember her as a truly remarkable, beautiful, intelligent, kind and entertaining woman.  

Prudy,  thank you for your love and kindness.  I wish you God's peace and I have every faith that we will meet again.
Linda 

Prudy, or Mrs Strong, as I was only 9 when I met her, was like a second mother or Aunt to me. My family lived 2 doors away from the Strongs in Potomac, MD for 5 years and I count my blessings every day for their friendship.  Prudys' beautiful southern accent and countenance made me always think of the movie Gone With the Wind. She always made me feel special and loved - I think she made everyone feel that way.  Prudy wrote me a touching , long and heartfelt letter about my mother, Lois, when she passed - they were great friends and it made me laugh and cry. Prudy had a gift with words :)  I like to imagine the two having a great "chin wag" ( an Austrailan term for a long chat) in heaven with some tea and maybe a bit of sherry from a lovely crystal glass with Boo (Prudys Boston terrier) on her lap. My heart is heavy with Prudys passing. My love goes out to Noelle and Alan and family - finding comfort with each other.

My wife and I never met Prudy. We only knew her through what Alan told us and what we read in the obituary. 

She must have been a very special lady and we are certain we would  have immediately loved her had we had the opportunity to meet. 

We know she will be missed as we both have lost our moms and know the emptiness the loss of special people like Prudy cause. 

May God bless you and give you comfort in this time of loss. 

My grandmother was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. Her voice was soft and soothing and she always had some cute, southern saying or song to tell me when I was growing up. When I was much younger, I would run around my grandparents' house when I woke up, and she would sweetly sing “Put Your Shoes On, Lucy” after me (she was always worried I would catch a cold). We had a tradition of going to get chocolate dipped ice cream cones and bake the perfect apple crisp every time she visited. 

It is memories like those that I will hold with me forever. Prudy made everyone who met her fall in love with her fantastic first impressions and her lovely southern drawl. We will all miss her so much.

Granddaughter Emma

I remember watching Prudy studying for exams at Duke and thinking how beautiful she was. I must’ve been 5 or 6. She took me to Duke with her and convinced another student to take me on his motorcycle. Never forgot that. And when she and Sonny were throwing water on each other in Mima’s (grandma) kitchen, then flying out the back door screaming. What fun. Her reaction to hearing “Wild thing” by the Trogs remarking ‘isn’t that sweet, he thinks he loves her’ with that Prudy smirk. She brought new beau Alan to meet us in Goldsboro. She was nervous but we all loved him too. And she took me in to stay with her and Al to get a job at the Marriott in DC (thanks Al) ‘between’ college years. Not sure I would have done that. There’s many many things like these stamped in my mind. The point I’m trying to make though is Prudy played a major role in my and all my family’s lives and of course will never be forgotten. We’ll all miss you Prudy. 
Nephew John Etherington 

Prudy was always so kind and gracious, wherever I met her (at the Weatherspoon, her front yard, or shoe-shopping at Target!). 

My deep condolences to you, Alan, and to her children, many grandchildren, nieces and nephews--she was so happy to visit you.

I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Nancy Doll

Alan and Noelle,
We are saddened to learn of Prudy's passing.  She was so kind and full of fun with us and with everyone. ..even at the beach with a hurricane approaching.  Our deepest sympathy to you and the family.
 
Charlie and Jeanie

Grace, wit, charm, kindness, laughter, inquisitiveness, strength of character, passion, willingness to speak up for her opinions, and a majestic carriage -- only a few of so many words that forever will come to mind as we remember dear Prudy.   

Thank you, Al, for taking care of her as she so well deserved.   She adored being married to you, and treasured every opportunity to share life with the next two generations.  Thank you for sharing her with neighborhood friends.

Adieu, Prudy!

Sorry to hear about the loss of  your wife.  Even though our contact was only two or three times a year, wanted you to know I am thinking of you at this time.
Jane (worked at Stewart & Satterfield, PA)

I was so sad to hear about Prudence’s death. From the beginning, she made a tremendous impression on me. I lived with Noelle in NYC when we were in our 20s. Prudence often called when Noelle was our, so we would chat a bit. Her slow drawl and unexpected and frequently hilarious comments delighted me. At Noelle and Mark’s wedding, when I was waxing poetic about Alan and Purdy’s beautiful house and her exquisite taste, she replied “Well Kristin, you can haaave the house - if you can persuade those two to move back here.” She also announced to me and the other bridesmaids that day “you girls look so lovely - just like Shakespearean flowers.” She was ethereal, elegant, funny, and charmingly eccentric. I know she was loved so much and will be sorely missed.

Noelle you really captured Prudy in your obituary. 

I could not have dreamt of having a more lovely, adoring, wonderful, Mother-in-Law in Prudy. She is free now and I am sure she is charming all those friends and family that passed before her. 

Prudy truly made a lasting impression with everyone she encountered, so although she is gone from this earth, Prudy will live on in our hearts and minds forever.

I'm so sorry to hear of Prudy's passing.  She had a kind spirit and was a friendly neighbor for many years. My condolences to Al and Noelle.
Deborah Egekvist

Prudy will be sorely missed.  A long while back, she and Alan took in a Japanese student who was studying English with my company.  They made her feel like family, and she has never forgotten their kindness and spirit of fun.  The entire family has my most sincere condolences.
Kathleen Quinby

There was a time when anyone who lived in Fisher Park knew Prudy Strong. She was the ambassador of the neighborhood, insistent on making all newcomers feel welcomed. Knowing and caring and full of good will and great joy. That's how I will remember her. 

Prudy (and Al) were so welcoming to us when we moved to Greensboro.  We will always appreciate that kindness.

Prudy was the essence of a classic Southern woman ... Grace. Elegance. Wit. Strength. Charm. 
Always lovely and kind and never afraid to speak her mind. That is what I most loved about you and will remember you for. 
We are so fortunate to have had you as a neighbor and friend. You were loved, respected and admired. 
Our condolences to Alan and your family. 
Most Sincerely,
Carl and Beth Nilsson and children. 

Aunt Prudy, you were elegant. 

We enjoyed our visits with you and Uncle Alan, and feel honored that you came all the way to Maine to celebrate our wedding day with us! We will miss you and love you forever. 
In prayer, 
Alan, Katie and the girls

I'm so sorry for your Loss. I knew Ms. Strong and worked with/for Mr. Strong at the Airport Marriott. She will truly be Missed.

What a lovely and fitting obituary. Prudy was one of my favorite people and I can only imagine how much you all will miss her. She certainly left some wonderful memories with me.

I enjoyed every moment taking care of you.  You were as sweet as a hummingbird and I love you and will miss our moments together. Taking care of you wasn’t just a job you and Alan and Noelle turned into family and I will cherish every moment we had Prudy. Now Rest In Peace you are free and you are going to be truly missed. 

Love always Kim
(Caregiver & Family) 

OBITUARY

Prudence Fraley Strong

February 27, 1938 – August 23, 2020

Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home

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