Mary Long

Mary Joyce Long, age 87, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2021 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. She was born January 10, 1934 in Gary Indiana. Joyce was a strong independent lady who started her secretarial career by counting worms for just pennies. She married Robert N. Long on May 12, 1959 and they moved to Spain while Bob was serving in the Air Force. During their almost 63 years of marriage, they were blessed by the birth of their two sons, Michael and Erik. Over their lifetime, Bob and Joyce traveled to many countries, went on many cruises, and toured the USA with the boys and their RV. Joyce was a very talented artist. She painted many watercolor pictures, spent several years decorating wedding cakes, and could play her baby grand piano by ear. She enjoyed flower arranging, interior decorating, cooking, and gardening. She also enjoyed hosting family gatherings especially at Christmas time when her home was filled with extravagant holiday trees in every color. Her love and laughter were infectious, and her sense of humor had more color than one might suspect. She dearly loved her family and her church family with all her heart. Joyce was preceded in death by her mother Anna B. Church and sisters: Dorothy Hudson, Shirley Blowers, and Karen Berridge. She is survived by her husband Bob; her two sons: Michael and Erik, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She will be very dearly missed. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Thursday, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. In accordance with the current State of Michigan guidelines, masks are required in the building of those attending. A service to celebrate the life of Mary Joyce will be held 11:30 a.m. Friday, February 12, 2021 at the Hickory Corners Bible Church, 13720 Kellogg School Road, Hickory Corners, MI 49060 with Pastor Richard Anspach officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow the service at the church. A private family interment will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to The Hickory Corners Bible Church or St Jude Children's Research Hospital. www.henryfuneralhome.org