Contact: Carolyn Wright, 773-852-7452

AUSTELL, Ga., Dec. 3, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- Evangelist-prophet-teacher Mary Ellen Strong, a frequent speaker at renowned ministries including Abundant Living Family Church in Rancho Cucamonga and Hesperia; Crenshaw Christian Center in Los Angeles, Word of Faith in Detroit and Nashville, Believers Bible Christian Church in Atlanta, and Norvel Hayes Ministries has died. She was 91.

Memorial services are set for Saturday, Dec. 8th, at 11 a.m. at Word of Faith Family Worship Cathedral, 212 Riverside Pkwy in Austell, Georgia. Strong died on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at her home in Rancho Cucamonga. A memorial in California was held on Dec 1st.

Born Mary Ellen Brady on June 4, 1921 in Milwaukee, Wis., she married James Strong, an attorney and U.S. diplomat to Gambia in 1970. Strong worked with a number of major corporations and was a former marketing executive with the Kellogg Corp.

She was a businesswoman; pioneer publisher of newspapers and a national magazine; building contractor; and revitalizer and developer of depressed properties across America.

Known for her hospitality and delicious meals, her Gugi's Global Foods, a spice company whose products are sold in major grocery chains and on the web have been a welcome condiment on tables everywhere.

She was a life-long Republican, honored by the US Senatorial Inner Circle with The Presidential Medal of Freedom, which she treasured. She was a friend and confidant to several Presidents and was known throughout the United States and abroad.

She was ordained in 1985 by Apostle Frederick K.C. Price, founder of Crenshaw Christian Center church and Ever Increasing Faith television ministries. Articulate and humorous, on numerous radio stations and television programs including the 700 Club; her messages were delivered with the authority of knowing her secure position in Jesus Christ. She was a trailblazer for change and improvement across the globe; known to stand up with great boldness to rulers and laymen.

"Dr. Strong's heart to serve God's people was always the same whether she was ministering to one person, or to thousands," said longtime friend Elois Watson. "Her passion was to see souls won to the Body of Christ."

"She was a friend and mentor to many, and will be remembered with love," said Dr. Alveda King.

Strong received numerous awards, accommodations, proclamations and citations.

Strong is survived by a daughter, Carolyn Wright, and a son, Jerrel Jones, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A son, Douglas, preceded her in death.