Betty Mae Long was born on July 23rd, 1938 in Macon, Mississippi. She was the second child of mother Fannie Mae Vinson and stepfather John Vinson. Betty was baptized and confessed her belief in Christ at a young age. She was educated in the St. Louis City school system and graduated from Washington Technical High School.

In 1954, Betty met and married Marion Lee Long and had four children; Marion Lee Long, Jr., Marilyn Ruth Long, Jerry Long and Pamela Jean Long. In 1982, the union ended. She later met her lifelong companion, Thomas Wilkes and she remained with him until his passing.

Betty worked for many years as a domestic worker. She was known for her wonderful smile, her kind and affectionate manner, and her loving presence. She loved music and dancing. Betty was a denmother for the girl scouts and worked for a while in the school cafeteria. She once described herself as “hard to understand because she didn’t comply to rules” and it was a little known fact that she taught herself to drive.

Most of all, Betty loved her children unconditionally.

Betty departed this life on March 24, 2017, and took up residence in Heaven. In 2009, she reflected that she wanted to be alone to take time out to think about being grateful, being prayerful and sharing her time with God. We are thankful that God shared her with us. We will miss her spirited nature but we know now that she is always smiling down on us from above.

Betty leaves behind to mourn her passing: her two sisters, Delores (Vinson) Brown and Cozetta (Vinson) Vernell; brother-in-law, Keith Vernell; her daughter, Marilyn Ruth (Long) Robinson; step-daughter Ruth (Long) Hayes; son-in-law Byron Ross, Jr., daughter-in-law Judy Long; eight grandchildren; Donnell Lamont Robinson Long, Kathy A. Austin, Maurice Long, the twins Willie and Luther Long, Bridgette Danielle Long, Clint Robinson III and Stephanie Robinson; ten great grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by both parents, Fannie Mae and John Vinson; her husband, Marion Long; one sister; Mary Ross; brother-in-law Otto Ross; her children, Marion Long, Jr., Jerry Long and Pamela Jean Long Ross; stepson, Myron Long; and son-in-law, Clint Robinson Sr.; and her companion Thomas Wilkes.

Services:

A wake and service will be held at St. Louis Cremation, 2135 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis MO 63103 on Saturday, April 1, 2017 beginning at 1:00 pm and lasting until approximately 5pm. Formal services are planned to begin within the first hour.