Obituary

Marie Tingen Long, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister, passed peacefully at her home surrounded by family on March 19, 2021 at the age of 85.

Marie is survived by her children, Sonja Long Sowder (Patrick), Mitzi Long Lowe (Robert) and her grandchildren; Brian Sowder, Adam Sowder and Kyle Lowe and her sister Ann Denny and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Franklin Dee Long, as well as her parents and 9 other siblings.

Marie was born in Roxboro, North Carolina on December 6, 1935. On September 1, 1954 she married Dee Long, the love of her life. There was not a day that went by after Dee passed on February 14,1997 that Marie did not miss and continue to love him.

Marie was a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Until she became ill, she very much enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. Family meant everything to her. She was a very spiritual person and she was a lifelong member of Southside Baptist Church where she helped in every capacity she could. She especially loved when The Harvesters came to her church to sing gospel music. She also loved her “granddogs”. Not a day went by when she didn”™t ask how the dogs were doing. She worried about them as much as she did everyone else. Marie also loved Elvis. She so enjoyed seeing him in concert and even enjoyed being entertained by his impersonators. She loved his music. She will be deeply missed by her friends, family, and all who knew her.

We often referred to her as “Saint Marie.” She was strong willed and a survivor “¦ one of the strongest, kindest women you would ever meet.

A graveside service will be held March 29, 2021 at 3:00 pm at Dale Memorial Park. Donations may be made in her honor to St. Jude”™s Children”™s Hospital.