With deepest and profound sympathy, we announce the transition of Mr. John E. Strother who entered into rest November 13, 2024.

A memorial celebrating the Life of John Estes Strother will be held at 11am Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at Second Baptist Church. Interment will follow at Southlawn Cemetery and Mausoleum.

Family
John Strother was the son of Clarence Strother and Lavonia Hill Strother. He was raised with his sister, Eva Laura Strother, in Des Moines, Iowa. He was married to his lifelong partner, T.Ella Anderson Strother for 57 years. They have two children, Toran (Tory) Estes and Tiana Elena Strother Jackson; his four grandchildren, Alexander Julian Jackson, Hayley Theresa, Emma Shea, and Kameron John Strother.

He was the last surviving member of his immediate family, preceded in death by his mother, father, and sister. He leaves to celebrate his life his wife, son and daughter, two nephews, Roderick Lightner and James Lightner, Jr. and one niece, Mary Lightner Johnson.

Education
He attended Des Moines public schools, graduating from Des Moines Technical High School in 1960. John was a life-long learner and teacher. He explained, "Do I love to teach! I had a hard time getting through the grades at Grant Elementary School, and I like to help other kids like me." John earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from William Penn College (Iowa) in 1965 and a Master of Arts degree from University of Northern Iowa in 1970 He also earned a permanent professional teacher certificate from the Iowa Board of Public Instruction and a life certification as an elementary and a junior high school principal from Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. During his teaching career he taught elementary school, middle school, 11th grade high school principal.

Church
John grew up in the Catholic Church. He converted to the Baptist faith after he married and moved to Wisconsin. He was baptized in Midvale Baptist Church in Madison, Wisconsin where he worked to develop his faith. Eventually, he served two five-year terms as a deacon. Upon retiring and moving to Aiken, he joined Second Baptist Church and shared his time, talent and expertise volunteering with Second Baptist Christian Preparatory School where he served on the board, taught sessions on science, helped with fundraisers, graduations, and field trips for 15 years. When the church moved to Second on York, some of his former students still stopped by to say "Hi" to "Mr. John". John also kept in contact with the needs of his ward members while serving as deacon for many years. Also, he was active with the Men's Ministry and the Prayer Warriors. He especially enjoyed helping Deacon Johnson prepare the baptistry for baptisms.

Friends
He loved interacting with people. He had lifelong friends including neighborhood members, golf buddies, frat brothers, travel friends, members of the boards he served on in the community and anyone who liked to discuss word problems or life issues. John loved God and studied continuously to be sure that he was doing what God intended for him.

"For he loves us with unfailing love; the LORD's faithfulness endures forever. Praise the LORD!"  Psalm 117:2

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Second Baptist Christian Preparatory School (343 Laurens St NW, Aiken, SC 29801.)

Professional Care has been entrusted to G. L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary-Aiken.