Tributes

On a beautiful day, August 28, 1949, I made my entrance into this world. My name is Louise Strong. I was born to Lillie Mae Strong in Houston, Texas at the Negro Hospital, which was renamed, Riverside General Hospital. After the death of my mother, God placed me in the nurturing care of a Christian couple, Mr. & Mrs. Joe James and Zula Mae Terrell, who became my backbone through life. We moved to Galveston where I attended public school and was a proud 1967 graduate of Central High School. I accepted Christ as my Savior and united with Mt. Calvary Baptist Church under the late Pastor F. A. Allen. I also sang in the choir and played for the church. Our family moved to Texas City, and we united with Greater Bell Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the late Pastor Wiley L. Dunn, Sr. and continued my membership under the late Pastor Zephaniah Phillips. I was active in the music department serving as a musician. Shortly after, I united in marriage to Eddie Lee Lenzy and to this union two beautiful children were born, a daughter and a son. I began working as a CNA at Taylor’s Nursing Home in West Texas City. Not long after, I began assisting with duties at Mainland Funeral Home, where I would begin my career in secretarial duties and later become the Office Manager. I worked at Mainland for 50+ years until my retirement. I also assisted in playing for services and cosmetology. I later met and married Rev. Dr. Woodrow W. Jackson, Jr., and together we were blessed with three children, two daughters and one son. We faithfully served the Pleasant Home Baptist Church in Clay, Texas for 6 years where I served as Minister of Music. My love for music began at the age of 9 and I took piano lessons from the late Mrs. Ora Lee Barefield. As my music ability grew, I was blessed to serve as musician and Minister of Music for several churches. My music ministry spanned over the area and over the years I served at: Greater New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Dickinson, Greater Macedonia Baptist Church, Texas City, Antioch New Day Deliverance Church, Texas City; Little Rock Baptist Church, Texas City; Straight Way Baptist Church, Texas City; Greater Randle’s Temple Church of God in Christ, Texas City; Open Door Church of God in Christ, Texas City; and Sanford’s Temple Church of God in Christ, Texas City. Not only did I play for the churches, but I would also sponsor programs for the church, especially for the Women’s Department. Later in life I met a handsome man by the name of Alvin Callis, Jr. and we united in marriage. He was a devoted husband and the father of three, one son and two daughters, who he loved with all his heart, and became the bonus father to my five. We united with Sanford’s Temple Church of God in Christ under the late Elder Rosevelt Sanford. We held so much love and respect for Pastor and Mother Zola B. Sanford, two dedicated servants of the Lord, and enjoyed the weekly Sunday worship!! In my leisure time, I loved the holidays and would go all out cooking and buying presents for the grandkids. I especially loved Christmas when I would make my world famous gumbo and seafood spread. My table ALWAYS had to be pretty and set, I loved decorating and if you ever visited my home, you would see the many things I had. Over the years I have made some lifelong friends that I always kept up with, so, after my retirement, I didn’t get out much, but I loved talking on the phone with my friends. I was having some medical issues, but you know me, I was hardheaded and didn’t want to go to the doctor. However, with those girls of mine, I had no choice, I had to go!! They diagnosed me with a few things but again, you know me, I didn’t want the treatment, and I chose to live my life as best I could. Yes, the girls would get upset with me, but I didn’t want to be a burden to anyone, and I chose what I thought was best for me. In my latter years, I became a resident of the Angel’s Loving and Caring Private Care Home where I enjoyed my final days. On Palm Sunday, March 29, 2026, the Lord knew I was tired and I needed rest, so He dispatched His Angels to my bedside to escort me to my Heavenly home. Oh, what a time I’m having as I enter the gates. I was welcomed by my mother, Lille Mae Strong; my parents, Joe James and Zula Mae Terrell; my sons, Brian DeWayne “Wayne” Lenzy, Sr. and Woodrow Wilson “Woody” Jackson, III, my grandson, Christian D. Justice and at last, I was reunited with my love, my husband, Alvin Callis, Jr. But most of all, when I saw Jesus, all I could say was, “AMEN!” I leave in the precious care of God my three beautiful daughters, NiChawndra Danette “Nikki” Lenzy Hudson, Teena Louise “Patti Cake” Jackson and Tiffany Racquel “Tiff” Jackson Wilburn and husband, Richard Wilburn, Jr.; my precious grandchildren, Kiara “KiKi” Gallop, Brittni Serges, Chakaijah ”Paige” Lenzy, Brian D. “Lil B” Lenzy, Jr., Joneishia “Neishia” Anderson, Jonathan D. “Mano” Anderson, Jr., Jamal Jackson, Cameron Dwayne “Cam” Justice, Cannan Dewayne Justice, Rich “Lil Rich” Wilburn. Jr. and Kourtlynn R. Wilburn; my adoring great-grands, Kamryn Nichole Serges, Dominic Khalil Archie, Jailynn Ellis Farmer, Jonah Noel Garza, Zarina Jonell Garza, Atreus “Tre” Wayne Garza, Jazmyn Chanel Garza, Chrissaya Nichole Lenzy and Silas Lenzy; my stunning daughter-in-love, Jeannetta Sanford Lenzy and Daphne Washington Womack and husband, Bobby; my extended family, a loyal sister, Deborah Hatter and a beloved brother, friend and coworker, John N. Humphrey; and numerous nieces, nephews, family members and friends.

Tributes

Louise Strong Callis

August 28, 1949 - March 29, 2026