Gladys Herrington Long

My mom was born on November 13, 1921 in Baxley, Georgia, to James C and Ida Bell Herrington. She grew up during the Great Depression, along with her three sisters; Louise, Lucille and Gracie. I believe that growing up in those difficult times helped to mold them into the strong women they are today.

In her early years, mom was a member of Easter Star, among many other things. She was a member of Jacksonville Baptist Temple, where she had many friends. She even took a trip to the Holy Land, which she talked about up until several weeks before her passing.

Mom was an accomplished seamstress, taking great pride not only in the beautiful clothes that she had made for me, but also in the numerous quilts that she had made for family and friends. She was also an excellent painter, a talent that she used to create a wonderful painting of our home – one that hangs over the fireplace. She worked and retired from the Federal Reserve Bank Money Department, and for many years, she even had part-time jobs like being a cashier, to selling Tupperware or Luzier Cosmetics. Mom was a strong and independent woman, years before it was common to hold two jobs.

Mom had a quick wit and was never short of an answer. Her heart was huge, and she would always help anyone with anything that she could. She was the most loving and wonderful mother that anyone could have asked for. I was so proud to say that I was her daughter, and she was my mom. We were extremely close. She told her own life story by the way she lived. Mom touched the lives of everyone who knew her and her passing has left a large void, but now in her heavenly home though, mom can see, hear, and walk without any pain. I am sure that her spirit radiates today.

Mother is predeceased by her granddaughter; Traci Lynne Carter, her parents; James C. and Ida Bell Herrington, her sister Louise H. Brown, her husband William F. Long, and numerous other family members.

She is survived by her daughter Janet Pyke Tomlinson, her sisters; Lucille Kirkland and Gracie Lee Kirkland (Herbert), her special sons; Bill Long and Wayne Long (Dottie), family members; Cheryl Cohen, Nancy Crick and Gary Tomlinson along with their children and grandchildren; numerous grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends, and her baby boy, Oscar, her yorkie.

We would like to thank all of her caregivers, not in any particular order - Community Hospice, Linda Drye, Dottie Long, Cheryl Cohen, and Cathy Scott.

A special thank you to pallbearers, James C. Deen, Bill and Wayne Long, Blythe Long, Kirkland Franklin, and Michael Morris.

Services under the care of Hardage-Giddens Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home.