Our Staff

Arlena Strong

Supervisor, Funeral Director

Arlena Strong

Supervisor of Strong Funeral Home and Cremation Services, LLC

Arlena was raised in the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County area. She attended David B. Oliver High School studying Law, Duff's Business School studying Accounting and continued her education by graduating from Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science in 2016. While at (PIMS) she received her Associate's Degree in Business, Funeral Directing, Embalming and Certified Crematory Operator. She has been an Personal Income-Tax preparer since 2001, Licensed Pennsylvania Notary Public since 2020 and Licensed Life Insurance Agent since 2022.

Prior to becoming a Licensed Funeral Director, she obtained a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to transport students to school for thirteen years. She used her CDL to plow and remove snow from the city streets of Pittsburgh becoming the first African American and female driver for Public Works, 1st Division. She became the 1st African American female to transport for major movie productions in Pittsburgh and has her credits in the movie, "We Won't Back Down," 2012. She is known in Pittsburgh as an extreme activist for many communities, serving victims of violent crimes and hundreds of people who needed assistance in the funeral realm.

Being a Licensed Funeral Director became her life passion once she lost her 14-year-old stepdaughter, 2004 from sickle cell disease, Tabitha Penn. She persuaded her dream graduating from PIMS along with the support of her family. Arlena married her loving husband, Tyrone, 2010 and together they have four daughters, Andrea, Yetysha, Breonna and Tyneen, four grandchildren, Z'yara-Arlena, Robin, Josiah and Zyon. Alongside with her husband, they are both Ordained Ministers in the Gospel and love to serve in all aspects of ministry.

Arlena's favorite motto is, "I am here to serve" and "Let me know how I can help". It is her honor being the last person to be able to help the family during the final transition.

Telephone: 1-412-223-5888

Email: 

Tyrone Strong

Funeral Director Assistant

Tyrone Strong

Funeral Director Assistant

Tyrone Strong is the husband of Arlena Strong and he serves the community and the funeral home in many ways. Tyrone's specialty is encouragement and uplifting families during the time of loss. Tyrone is an Ordained Minister and is on staff to offer comfort to the families.

Tyrone's motto is: "Please grieve, because joy will come in the morning."

Breonna Thorne

Funeral Assistant

Breonna Thorne

Funeral Director Assistant

Breonna Thorne was raised in the City of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and graduated from Perry Traditional Academy. Breonna serves in many aspects at the funeral home. Breonna loves to show her hospitality to all who enters the doors of the funeral home. Breonna is the daughter of Arlena Strong.

Breonna's favorite motto is: "Whatever you need we are able to provide". 

Cynthia Jefferson

Funeral Assistant

Z'yon Thorne

Junior Funeral Assistant

Z'yon Thorne

Funeral Assistant

Zyon Thorne has a dream to become the next licensed funeral director in his family. Z'yon is the youngest grandson of Arlena Strong, and acts as her shadow so that he can obtain all the important funeral details as he can. He loves to help and when he graduates from high school he will follow in the family business of service.

Z'yon's motto is: "What, where, how do you need me to help?"

John Parker

Funeral Assistant