Murl Poole Strong, 89, of Olla, passed from this life on March 16, 2016, at St. Francis Medical Center after a brief illness. She was born in the Homochitto community of Amite County, Mississippi on July 30, 1926. Mrs. Strong graduated from Crosby High School in Crosby, Mississippi and attended Southwest Junior College in Summitt, Mississippi where she was an outstanding basketball player. In 1948 she married O.B. Strong, Sr. The two made a home in Olla, where they founded and operated O.B. Strong Timber Co. and raised their three children. Mrs. Strong was an avid follower of LaSalle High School athletics and a dedicated member of the LSU TAF for over 25 years. She was also a devoted member of the Olla United Methodist Church where she served on the administrative board for over 60 years. She was the first director of Olla Head Start. She was an active member of the Pinewood Garden Club of Olla. She enjoyed playing bridge and spending time with her family. Services were conducted at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 19, at the Olla United Methodist Church with Rev. Aaron Carpenter officiating. Graveside services were at 4 p.m. that day in the Roseland Cemetery in Gloster, Mississippi, under direction of Riser Funeral Home of Olla. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years, O. B. Strong, Sr.; parents, F.L. (Boss) Poole and Mazie Huff Poole; brother, Oliver L. Poole, Sr.; and sister, Avis Jean Poole; brothers-in-law, Lavon B. Strong and Raiford G. Strong; and sister-in-law, Jeanette Strong Hood (Johnny). Survivors include her son, Omer B. Strong, Jr. (Janice); daughters, Jackie Strong Whatley (Tom) and DeAnna Strong Martisius (Dan); grandchildren, Lauren Whatley, Sarah Whatley Roark (Jay), Andrew Strong (Emily), Ben Martisius, and Mazie Martisius; three great-grandsons, Cooper Roark, Eli Roark and Owen Strong; brothers-in-law, Billy J. Strong (Carolyn), and Dr. David H. Strong (Debra); sisters-in-law, Nelda Strong, Ann Strong, and Gayle Poole; and many loving nieces and nephews. Nephews served as pallbearers. Memorial donations may be made to Olla United Methodist Church, 1225 Ash Street, Olla, LA 71465.