Ms. Tawanda Strong

Tawanda Strong was born on March 22, 1972 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Eddie L., Sr. and Ida B. Strong. She was the seventh daughter of nine children. Tawanda accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Damascus Missionary Baptist Church. She was a faithful student of Sunday School, always treating others the way she wanted to be treated. Her quiet gentle spirit captured the attention of many. Tawanda received her formal education within the Milwaukee Public School System and was a graduate of Rufus King High School. She excelled academically in many areas and was recognized for her accomplishments, which includes the following: National Honor Society, Medical Science Club, International Baccalaureate Program, Who's Who Amongst American High School Students, and Outstanding High School Students of America. She loved science and was blessed to do scientific research at the Medical College of Wisconsin toward the end of her senior year of high school. Her interest in science started in middle school when she joined the Junior Academy of Medicine and was exposed to the real world of medicine through field trips and other activities. The Junior Academy of Medicine took Tawanda beyond her high school science classes into the arena of sophisticated equipment working around animals and sometimes cadavers. She was indeed, a rarity in medicine! Tawanda attended and graduated from Carroll College in Waukesha, Wisconsin earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology (Pre-Med emphasis). While attending Carroll College, she was involved in the following activities: Student Senate, Vice-President and Treasurer Of The Black Student Organization, College Activity Board, Gospel Choir President, and Carroll College Christian Fellowship. A few years after graduating from Carroll College, Tawanda decided to attend The University of Madison, Wisconsin, earning a Bachelor of Science in Bacteriology. In between earning two college degrees, she was blessed to complete a six week internship at the University of California-Irvine School of Medicine. Tawanda met and later married Linnell Franklin and from this union, they were blessed with a son, Jaimen D. Franklin. She loved being a mother and was blessed to embrace each moment with love, kindness, and patience. Tawanda worked for The University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, which included working in pharmacy, UW-Madison Animal and Biomedical Sciences Department, and Wisconsin State Department of Hygiene. Tawanda attended Second Baptist Church in Madison, Wisconsin under the leadership of Rev. Anthony Wade. She also attended Northside Christian Assembly in Madison, Wisconsin under the leadership of Pastors Joe and Krystal Oby. Tawanda deeply loved her family and friends and will be greatly missed. Tawanda is preceded in death by her parents, Eddie L. Strong, Sr. and Ida B. Strong. She leaves to cherish her memory: son, Jaimen D. Franklin; eight siblings, Avis Elaine (Rodney) Anderson, Carolyn (Tony) Hendrix, Daphener (Richard) Dantzler, Sandra (Minister Michael) Brown, Jennifer (Aeneas) Jackson, Andrea Denise Strong, Eddie L. Strong, Jr., and Dexter (La Detra) Strong, Sr.; 12 nieces, 8 nephews; 6 great-nieces, 12-great-nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Ms. Tawanda Strong

March 22, 1972 - November 18, 2017