Mary Anne (Brand) Long

Mary Anne Brand Long, born July 29, 1942, in Birmingham, Alabama, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family. A proud Birmingham native, Mary Anne was the daughter of John William Brand and Agnes (Wilson) Brand.

From a young age, Mary Anne had a deep love for the outdoors, especially swimming and dancing. As a competitive swimmer with Birmingham Parks and Recreation, based in Ensley, she was part of the 1960 Alabama State Championship team, competing in the 100 freestyle and IM relay. Her lifelong passion for the water continued as she shared her skills with others at the Five Points YMCA, where she taught lifeguarding, swim lessons, and water aerobics, helping many learn confidence and joy in the water.

Mary Anne later built a professional career as an executive secretary. She worked at the UAB Ambulatory Center before later retiring from State Farm Insurance in the same capacity.

In retirement, Mary Anne followed another lifelong passion: dance. She moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where she became a Carolina Shag dance instructor at the legendary Fat Harold’s, sharing her love of music, movement, and community. Whether she was near the water or on the dance floor, Mary Anne embraced life with energy and enthusiasm.

She passed on her love of swimming, dancing, and living life fully to her daughter, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, often reminding them with the words she loved most: “I hope you dance.”

Mary Anne was preceded in death by her twin sister, Rose Marie Brand; her father, John William Brand; her mother, Agnes (Wilson) Brand; and her brothers, Newell Brand and Joseph Brand.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Windy Wills Lujano (Bob); her grandchildren, Shanen Byrd (Allen) and Joshua Dodson; and her great-grandchildren, Nathan Allen Byrd and Lillith Anne Byrd. She is also survived by her siblings, John (Jack) William Brand Jr. and Pamela Brand Rock, along with many extended family members and friends who will miss her deeply.

A visitation will be held on March 27 at 11:00 a.m., followed by a memorial service at 12:00 p.m., at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Hoover, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Aquatics Facility at the Lakeshore Foundation in honor of Mary Anne’s lifelong love of swimming and the water. You can do this by visiting the link below and in the area for designation, please type “Aquatics”:

https://www.lakeshore.org/give/

Mary Anne will be remembered for her vibrant spirit, her love of water and dance, and the joy she brought to everyone who knew her.