Iris Gwendolyn Long

Iris Gwendolyn “Gwen” Long, 77, passed away on January 21, 2020, at Woodland Heights Hospital in Lufkin, Texas. She was born March 21, 1942, in Shreveport, Louisiana, the daughter of Richard Norton, Eula Bernice (Green) Jones, and stepfather W.M. “Smokey” Jones. Gwen graduated from Mountain Home High School in Arkansas, Class of 1962. She married J.M. Long on October 20, 1963, in Flippin, Arkansas. Gwen loved her family and was able to raise her girls and then start a career in the food service industry at Lufkin Independent School District. She was always a loving caregiver. She assisted in raising her two nieces and then took care of her mother and mother-in-law in their final years. Gwen was a lifelong member of Keltys United Methodist Church. She actively participated in the UMW for many years and sang in the choir. Gwen loved reading and watching old movies. At night, you could always find her watching TV with a piece of cake or pie and a Pepsi “on ice.” Gwen never left the house without “making her face” and her hair had to be perfect. There was always a dessert made, and her home was always filled with friends and family. In addition to her mother, father, and stepfather, Gwen was preceded in death by her brother, William Arthur “Billy” Norton, and her great-granddaughter, Lydia Nance. Survivors include husband of 56 years, J.M. Long; children Karen Long of Lufkin, Texas, Holly Thornton and Shane of Hudson, Texas, and Allison Long and Valerie of New Orleans, Louisiana; nieces Janet Dalme and Brett of Henderson, Texas, and Helon Johnson and Eddie of Lufkin, Texas; seven grandchildren, Kathryn Nance, Guy Schroeder, Hunter Schroeder, Jacob Thornton, Jay “Pete” Schroeder, Riley Thornton, and Jace Fountain; and two great-granddaughters, Fischer and Lilliana; and a number of other nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and precious friends. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 25, at Keltys United Methodist Church, 1867 Old Mill Road, Lufkin, Texas, 75904, officiated by Pastor Cindy Doran.