Barbara Jean Delong

Born on June 22, 1935, in Lansing, Michigan, to Benson Eugene Howard and Willie Ellen Cooper, Barb was the youngest of three children. As the baby sister, she shared a special bond with her older brothers, Paul (Dewey) and Vernon (Brud) Howard, who were also her lifelong friends and protectors. The three siblings were often described as “thick as thieves,” and their close relationship remained strong throughout their lives. They spoke on the phone nearly every day and loved one another unconditionally.

On April 25, 1959, Barb married the love of her life, Paul Davis DeLong. Together, they raised two children and shared nearly 50 happy years of marriage. Barb worked at Michigan State University for many years and was a devoted Spartan fan who especially loved watching MSU men’s basketball. She was also an enthusiastic NASCAR fan and rarely missed a Sunday race. Barb loved music and delighted in teaching younger generations how to swing dance, do the jitterbug, and dance the Charleston. She adored animals and spoiled her pets throughout the years. An avid reader, she also enjoyed jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, word searches, and other activities that kept her sharp mind engaged. Barb was an excellent cook and baker who loved preparing meals and treats for family and friends, especially her peach cobbler and apple pie. She also enjoyed gardening and took great pride in filling her yard with beautiful flowers each summer. Gifted in many ways, Barb lived with intelligence, warmth, and a true zest for life.

To know Barb DeLong was to love her. She was one of the kindest and most generous people anyone could meet. Over the years, she became a second mother, aunt, and grandmother to many, forming lifelong bonds along the way. She encouraged others, offered support, listened with care, and loved deeply. Her warmth drew people in, and she will be deeply missed.

Barb DeLong was preceded in death by her parents, Benson Howard and Willie Cooper; her brothers, Paul (Dewey) Howard and Vernon (Brud) Howard; her husband, Paul DeLong; and her children, Steven DeLong and JoEllen DeLong. She is survived by her daughter, Vickie Sue Howard-DeLong; her grandchildren, Sarah (Mac) Redman and Ryan Roche; her great-grandson, Mason Redman; her adopted son, Brian McCall; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will take place on Friday, June 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. The visitation and service will be held at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, 1730 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Barb’s memory to the American Lung Association or Capital Area Humane Society.