Brenda Joyce Long

Brenda “Joyce” Long, 79, passed away peacefully at her home in Little River, S.C., on October 3, 2025, surrounded by family and friends after a courageous fight with an extended illness. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, cherished friend, and known for her love and compassion for others.

Joyce, also known to her family as Joy, grew up on a N.C. farm in Brunswick County. She enjoyed relationships with a large family and extended family, including her parents, brothers, sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. The relationships forged in childhood endured and were a source of strength and joy throughout her life. While working at Ella’s Seafood in Calabash, N.C., she met her beloved Lawrence C. Long Jr. (Larry) and married in September 1965. Together, they built a home in Little River, SC, and raised four children: Amy, Jamie, Chris, and Christina. Early in her marriage, she was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and was an active member in her congregation, serving in whatever capacity was needed. Her faith was most precious to her and guided her throughout her life.

Joyce always felt that the most important work was within her home. She spent her years as a wife supporting the family’s fishing business and assuring that her children were well provided with fresh food from family farms and the sea. Her home was a hub of activity for neighborhood children, friends, and family, where she and her husband hosted fish frys and oyster roasts accompanied by her legendary cornbread. She often opened her home to friends in need of shelter from life’s storms. Her thoughtful nature and kind spirit made others feel safe and valued. She emulated the woman described in Proverbs 31. She brought her husband good, not harm; she set about her work vigorously, she opened her arms to the poor and extended her hands to the needy, her children arise and call her blessed. She surely was worth far more than rubies.

After retirement, she and her husband enjoyed traveling, especially on cruises with friends and family. Later, they built their dream retirement home that gave them a view of the water they spent so much time on in their earlier years. Her little Havanese dog, Elmo, became her close companion, and she shocked her children with how their practical mother spoiled him endlessly. During her mother’s and husband’s extended illnesses, she cared faithfully for them. Joyce enjoyed working in her yard, tending her flowers, and watching birds’ nest carefully so that she could help any struggling chick on its way. She loved having her children, grandchildren, friends, and grand dogs visit and always had time for conversation, coffee, and dessert. She also found joy walking on her dock and appreciating the creation around her. She had a grateful heart and a gracious way that made people feel at ease.

Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Vonnie and Rosie Long, her two brothers, Douglas and Kenneth Long, an infant sister, Janice Long, and her husband of 53 years, Lawrence C. Long Jr. She is survived by her children Amy Vlahos (Jimmy), Lawrence C. Long III (Victoria) Chris Long (Raegan) and Christina Prince (Benjamin) and ten grandchildren Nickolas Vlahos, Alexi Vlahos, Mikail Vlahos, Christianna Vlahos, Captain Lawrence C. Long IV, Chandler Long, Nolan Long, Kaya Long, Dillon Prince and Drew Prince. She is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Nash and Connor Vlahos (Nickolas) and Wells Vlahos (Alexi). In addition, she is survived by her beloved sisters Sandra Schroder, Erma Bordeaux, and Marsha Caison, and her baby brother, Clint Long.

A graveside will be held on Tuesday October 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM at North Myrtle Beach Memorial Gardens.

Lee Funeral Home & Crematory in Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the Long family.