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Gov. Kay Ivey honored the life of former State Sen. Frances Webb Strong on Friday, Nov. 22, by ordering flags to half staff at the State Capitol in Montgomery along with the cities of Demopolis, Linden and throughout Marengo County.

Strong passed away at the age of 93 on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024.

According to the order issued by Ivey, State Sen. Strong, also known as “Sister” among her family and friends, was a lifelong resident of Demopolis. She was a graduate of The University of Alabama and the holder of a master’s degree in education from Livingston University.

Strong notched a near 20-year career teaching students from kindergarten to college. She is also credited with founding a successful girl’s athletic program in Demopolis City Schools.

“In 1983, she ran a historic race for state senate becoming the first woman to be elected as a Democrat to serve in that body,” Ivey stated. “During her time in the Legislature, Senator Frances Webb Strong was noted for her advocacy of education and also for her partnership in the passage of the Davis-Strong Act, establishing the Alabama Indian Affairs Commission. She also served on the State Elections Commission and the Alabama State Democratic Executive Committee.

“I therefore authorize flags on the grounds of the State Capitol Complex in Montgomery, and in the

cities of Demopolis and Linden and throughout Marengo County, may be flown at half-staff from

sunrise until sunset on the day of Senator Frances Webb Strong’s interment, November 22, 2024.”