VELVA M. LONG

West Frankfort–Velva M. Long 88, of West Frankfort formerly of Johnston City passed away on Sunday, January 3, 2010 at 3:03 P.M. at the Herrin Hospital.

Services will be held at Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City on Thursday January 7, 2010 at 12:30 P.M. with Pastor Gene Fox officiating. Burial will be in the Lakeview Cemetery in Johnston City. Visitation will be from 11:00 A.M. till 12:30 P.M. Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of West Frankfort. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

She was born on March 9, 1921, in Herrin, the daughter of Leroy and Mamie (Rogers) Howell. She married Earl H. Long on May 9, 1940 in Jackson, MO. He preceded her in death on September 3, 2005.

She was a member of the First Christian Church of West Frankfort. She was a loving mother and grandmother.

She is survived by one son Dr. Earl D. Long and wife Sandra of Marion; two grandchildren, Dr. Scott Long and wife Rae of Springfield, and Steve Long and wife Kristy of Marion; five great grandchildren, Allison, Samantha, Josie, Bailey and Brody Long; one sister, Juanita Scott of Lansing, MI; two sister-in laws, Virginia Long and Ruth Long both of Johnston City; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Lillian Bell and Ruby Smith; one half-brother, Elmore "Peanuts" Howell; three brother-in-laws, Darrell, James Harold, and Buford Long; and one sister-in-law, Georgia Long.