Betty Jean Strum

Betty Jean Strum was born October 30, 1944 to Andy and Lorinda Thorpe, and adopted by Perry and Viola Thorpe. She had one older sister Thelma Edward, and two younger brothers Robert Stepp and Gary Stepp.

Betty attended Washburn and Hayes Elementary Schools and Princeton High School. She was known as an avid reader at an early age and found her escape from poverty through education. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati and then continued to the Union of Experimental Colleges where she earned her PHD in Public Administration. Dr. Betty Strum received extensive management training from various sources like The Walton School of Executive Management Program.

In 1973 Betty married the love of her life, the late David Lee Strum. Together they raised five sons and their only daughter: Donald Kidd (Apra), Melvin Kidd, Steven Kidd (Deanna), Kelvin Kidd (Sandra), Ben Kidd, and Zenith Renee Strum. She was a devoted wife and mother.

Betty Strum was not only committed to her family but a pillar in her community as well. Armed with her doctorate, Dr. Betty Strum held many positions that lifted others. She was an entrepreneur and started her own consulting firm, Strum Consulting Firm, Inc. Betty was the first person in
her family to own and operate a business. Dr. Strum helped many people realize their business dreams and stabilized many companies. She held many positions throughout her life. She worked at Lincoln Heights Health
Department, CAA, US Bank, Twin Towers, and worked as an independent contractor for businesses across Greater Cincinnati. Beyond work, Dr. Betty Strum was extremely community minded. This activist spirit lead her to fight for the Skyline Community Center, organize the Skyline Improvement Association, and was involved with the Mt. Healthy Hurricanes Youth Organization.

Also, she organized many political events and continually volunteered in vital events like working the polls. Notable landmark events include her activism and marching with Reverend Fred Shuttleworth, working with Kenneth Blackwell, Joyce Beatty, Former Presidents George W. Bush Sr., Bill Clinton, and Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas to name a few.
Betty was always ready to help others and stand her ground to help others.

Betty Strum served the Lord proudly throughout her life of service. Her church home was Gaines United Methodist Church. She will be greatly missed. Betty Strum leaves a legacy of nineteen loving grandchildren Yasmeen Kidd, Dejah Kidd, Desiree Kidd, Michael Kidd, Markita Golden Williams, Dontea Kidd (deceased), Ciara Richardson, Curtis CJ Golden, Donald Kidd Jr., Arriauna Kidd, Adrian Strum, Seth Golden, Aaron Greer, Andrew Smith, Sagittarius Lamar, Alexia Golden, Angel Kidd, Zarius Lamar, and Kingston St. Clair. Also, a host of great grandchildren, family, and
friends to cherish her memory.