Rita Shirone Long

Rita Shirone Long, 72, passed away Sunday, March 8, 2015 after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. A Celebration of her Life will be held at 2 PM Saturday, March 21, 2015 at Snow’s Memorial Chapel, Cherry Street. Visitation will follow. A private burial will be held earlier that day in Thomaston, Georgia. Reverend John Prettyman will officiate. The family suggests that in lieu of flowers donations be made to Central Fellowship Baptist Church, 8460 Hawkinsville Road, Macon 31216.

Born in Thomaston, Georgia, Rita was the daughter of the late Frances Ruth Bledsoe Long and Augustus T. Long. A graduate of McEvoy High School in Macon, she completed her undergraduate degree at North Georgia College and obtained her Master’s degree from Auburn University.

She retired from the Bibb County Board of Education where she spent the majority of her 30-year career as a math teacher at Northeast High School. During her tenure there, she served as head of the math department, established a Mu Alpha Theta math honor society chapter, was highly regarded as a dedicated educator, and is well-remembered by many former students.

A member of Central Fellowship Baptist Church, Rita was also a long-time member of the Westside Homemaker’s Club. She was the bookkeeper for the family business, A.T. Long and Son Painting Contractors, enjoyed craft-making and operated a flower shop, Adorn Flowers and Gifts. Family was extremely important to Rita and she organized many family reunions and was a passionate researcher of family genealogy and history. She spent her final years at Carlyle Place and her family is grateful for the caring staff of Harrington House and Cambridge Court.

Rita will be lovingly remembered by her surviving family and friends including her brother, Tony Long Sr. (Jennifer Taylor) of Macon; nephew, Tony Long Jr. (Michael Stewart); nieces, Jennifer Long (Erich Ohrenschall), Christy Robinson (Matt) and Kate Long; grandnephews, Everett Ohrenschall and Tristan Robinson; and Susan Long.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express tributes.

Snow's Memorial Chapel Funeral & Cremation Services, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.