Eva Mae Longino

Eva Mae (Lyons) Longino, age 89 of Orange Park, Florida, died on June 25, 2025. She experienced multiple strokes over the last five years and passed away at Orange Park HCA Hospital due to a severe stroke.

She was born on September 17, 1935 in Moniac, Charlton County, Georgia, the only daughter to John Wesley Lyons, Sr., and Pearlie (Thrift) Lyons. Her family moved to Macclenny, Florida when she was young. Eva had six older brothers; she was the baby of the family and a very devoted caregiver to her mother throughout her life.

Eva married Donald Longino on May 4, 1956 in Jacksonville, Florida. They were married over 58 years, until Donald passed away in 2014. They have three children: Steven Longino (Cindy), Faith Painter (Brian), and Gregory Longino. She was a fabulous mother. There are nine grandchildren: April Abbott (Jonathon), Emily Grimsley (Clint), Matthew Painter (Carolyn), Josh Longino (Lauren), Haley Kirk (Ben), Brittnee Bouley (Matthew), and Dylan Longino (Mary), Craigory (aka Scooter) Longino, Joseph Datuin, and ten great grandchildren. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren know they were all loved, and spoiled, by “Nana”. She also raised a foster grandchild, Richard (aka Little Rick) O’Donoghue whom she loved. Eva had a 15-year career with Florida Rock Corporation, as an inside sales clerk. She left that job in 1977 to devote more time to her family and to serving the Lord Jesus. She and Don joined the Christian Coalition in the late 1980s and petitioned state and federal political leaders to stand up for Christian values. Eva worked at voting precincts during elections. Her interests included fabulous cooking, specially sweet treats, growing plants and flowers, and spending time serving at Westside Baptist Church in the children’s ministry. She also enjoyed going to have her hair done and dressing up with her makeup done to perfection. Her life-long passion was caring for children. She regularly took care of the toddlers in the church's childcare every Sunday for quite a few years. She prepared baskets each holiday season to deliver to senior members. When she was serving others or caring for family members, she as the happiest. A true servant of Christ.

Eva was predeceased by her parents, John Wesley Lyons, Sr. and Pearlie Lyons, her loving husband Donald, her brothers John Wesley Lyons Jr., Willie Lyons, Wilford Lyons, Dolph Lyons, and Jimmy Lyons.

Eva’s surviving family members are her children, Steven, Faith, and Gregory, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, brother Junior Lyons, of Glen St. Mary, Florida, her brother-in-law Kenneth Longino (Betty) and sister-in-law Barbara Barr (Jerry), sister-in-law Eveline Lyons (Wilford), and with many nieces and nephews. She valued her family highly.

A visitation for Eva will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2025 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Westside Baptist Church, 7775 Herlong Road, Jacksonville, Florida, 32210. A celebration of life will occur Tuesday, July 1, 2025, also at Westside Baptist Church. A committal will occur Tuesday, July 1, 2025 at Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205. After the committal, a meal will be available for those who wish to attend at Westside Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, if you feel led to make a monetary donation, please consider Westside Baptist Church general fund or Growing Together Behavioral Center, 1725 Art Museum Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32207, https://gtbjax.org/give/. This organization assists children with special needs, and Eva's great grandchild has greatly benefited from their support.