Thelma Long

     Thelma Long, beloved daughter of the late Lokie and Ella ‘Sambo’ Smith Long, began her journey through life on Sunday, February 1, 1948, in Jackson (Northampton County), North Carolina.

     Thelma was educated in the public schools of Northampton County. During her young adult life, she moved to New York and began working at a local hospital, while rearing her children. Thelma was a music lover, had a soulful spirit and loved dancing. She was an awesome dancer and could always get the party started. She enjoyed eating and never turned down an opportunity to feast out. Spending quality time with her family and friends brought her great joy. Thelma’s ability to operate a motor vehicle was her passion. Driving gave her a great sense of independence.

     In later years, Thelma relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, where she joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She was a faithful parishioner, who loved her church family and they loved her.  Thelma began battling diabetes, which led to kidney dialysis treatment. She was later diagnosed with severe renal disease. Although her health presented many challenges, her faith never wavered. Thelma was a warrior through all of her sickness, trials and tribulation, and possessed strength, grace and tenacity. She was a remarkable mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend.

     “After the clouds, the sunshine; after the winter, the spring; After the shower, the rainbow; for life is a changeable thing. After the night, the morning, bidding all darkness cease, After life’s cares and sorrows, the comfort and sweetness of peace.” On Monday, March 29, 2021, while in the care of Wake Medical Center, Raleigh, North Carolina, our dear loved one peacefully entered the door of eternal life. In addition to her parents, Thelma was preceded in death by: a son, Lewis Carl Long; brothers, Primer ‘Punch’ Long, Lokie Long, Jr. and Levi ‘Booster’(Maxine) Smith and sisters, Hessie Peebles, Janet Gay and Cherry Lee Shoulders (Turner).

     Your life was full of loving deeds, forever thoughtful of our special needs. Today and tomorrow, our whole life through, we will always love and cherish you. Her sweet spirit, caring heart and generosity will long be remembered by all those whose lives she touched, including: three children, Sarah L. Lynn (Gary) and Daryl M. Pongo both of Raleigh, North Carolina and Gladys L. Owens (Johnny) of Oxford, North Carolina; nine grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; three sisters, Shirley Ann Deloatch (Robert ‘ Pat’) of Seaboard, North Carolina, Minister Maybell Gay of Newburgh, New York and Irene Lassiter of Suffolk, Virginia; brothers & sister-in-law, Jimmy Lee Gay, Willie ‘Mickey’ Peebles, Joe Tex and Shirley Long; special friends, Ronald Hamrick, David M. Pongo and Zollie Rawls; a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Relatives and Friends are encouraged to visit  Ms. Long's tribute wall to share memories, extend condolences and to order floral tributes, as sentiments to the family.  

The Caring Team of T. L. Faison's Funeral Care, LLC is privileged to provide

"Professional Care, With Dignity & Integrity" 

to the family of Ms. Thelma Long.

We ask that you unite with us in remembering the family in both thought and prayer.

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