We became friends the first night I met her 49 years ago. Instant connection as it was with everyone she met. Always interested in what was going on in your life. Navy wife who like the same, did most of the raising of Pam and her older brother (John). The only one of her brother or sisters to ever leave the area. Her mother was alive but couldn’t afford to take care of children so 3 went to the orphanage, an older sister went to an aunt’s and the 2 boys went to relatives. I was truly blessed, when so many have poor relationships with spouse’s parents. She clothed my children for years, always sent a bag of groceries home as we would leave from a visit. Pam and her mom spoke every day, countless shopping trips usually buying for her family. Pam would tell you that not only does she miss her mom but her best friend. The best cook ever! Loved overfeeding all of us as well as friends at Christmas and Thanksgiving. NOBODY could make a biscuit better than her. Worked steadily once the kids were old enough, usually in secretarial positions. Had friends that she kept up with regularly all over the country because of different duty stations. Never left home without being dressed to the hilt. Hair always done nails always beautiful inside and out. The epitome of the mother of her generation. She was simple in so many ways but had an unforgettable elegance that radiated from her. 

I (we) always looked forward to Easter each year. 
I  miss my sisters, brothers, mother and Aunt Lydia. With all of these gone there are too many memories to pick out just one.  I loved all of them.  
May they all rest in peace.  God Bless us all.  

Edna Nelson 
Sister

I have many fond memories of Mrs. Long. She was such a special lady. Always smiling and so sweet. She always made you feel welcome.   Such a classy lady inside and out!  

I remember Margaret as a sweet lady with a smile on her face. She was always stylishly dressed, nails polished, and bright lipstick applied. At family gatherings, sweet tea would be one of her specialities. She will be missed.

Peggy Hensley
Pam's sister-in-law

Mama named me Margaret after her.
I am going to miss Aunt Maggie.

Margaret Ann Hughes, Niece

Mrs Long was quite the fashionista!
 I remember her in Pam's kitchen on holidays beautifully dressed and accessorized helping prepare the meal.  Her warm and welcoming smile will be missed.

 Susan Corbitt
 Pam’s sister-in-law

Two things I always think of, besides her laugh and always being so kind to me.  She bought me my first bra at the Navy Exchange when I was visiting & she saw that I was wearing the top half of a cut off slip. I was embarrassed & glad at the same time. 

 The 2nd fond memory was when I was pregnant with my daughter, Angel, & I didn't know it, I was visiting her again & I ate a ton of her cold home-made biscuits that tasted soooo good! I soon found out I was pregnant.  

 She & Cabot were so good to my Momma and I will be eternally thankful!  I love them both! 

 Becky (Brown) Horton
 (Niece)

1. Her contagious smile and laugh and a soothing voice.
 2. Her love for each family member and always wanting to know how each were doing.
 3. Her name and beauty, I thought were that of a movie star.

 Ellen (Strother) Thayer
 (Niece)

Three early memories of Margaret:

 1.  Her pretty face, smile and laugh.

 2.  Her name...I thought "Etta" was cool and exotic sounding.

 3.  Her letters to Daddy and Mama from "far away places."  She stayed in touch by mail back in those days when Cabot was in the service.  Corpus Christi...that always sounded exciting.   

 Edith (Strother) Gill
 (Niece)

She called me quite often before her memory became a problem. Always cared about how myself and family were.  Always pleasant and quite beautiful to look at.  She could have been in the movies with her personality, beauty and  charm. Rest in peace Aunt Maggie. 
 Love always, Al Strother (Nephew)

My Mammy, how blessed am I to have had a grandmother who loved me so much.
She loved to laugh and tease, and spend time with her family and friends. She never seemed too busy to sit down and catch up and visit whether on the phone or in person. She was quite the socialite and just always seemed happy to be with people in some way shape or form.
As a child I can always remember watching her get ready…. She’d let me sit with her while she did her makeup and pick out her clothes. Then she’d add on all of the jewelry that she was well-known for… she was so fancy, classy, and beautiful and I adored her.
Her love for her children and grandchildren was shown in so many ways, mostly though countless hours of scratching our backs, feeding our bellies, clothing us for the year, and sneaking off to her closet prior to your departure to slide some cash in your hand before you left. You’d never turn it down either because she wasn’t having it, and I don’t care how old she got, her grip was like a torture device. Through gritted teeth she’d say “Shhhh, you’re gonna take it”.
She made the best sweet tea, biscuits and chocolate syrup cake, to name just a few, and always made enough to feed a small country. My only regret is that I didn’t spend more time with her in the kitchen when I was younger and had the chance, thankfully however, my mother did. <3
The last 12 years hadn’t quite been the same as Alzheimer’s slowly took over her mind, her ability to communicate, and eventually her body. Despite the disease I still saw that little twinkle in her eye and smile on her face when she saw her loved ones. She may not have known that Ryleigh and Marshall were my children when we visited, but she sure looked at them with the same love and joy that she showered me with my whole life.
She will be missed dearly, and loved always. I’m sure her first words in heaven were “Yoo-hoo! Cabot? I’m here” <3

OBITUARY

Mrs. Margaret Etta Long

February 8, 1931 – May 18, 2020

Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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