Absent from the body, present with the Lord. Geneva Jewel Shaw Long came face to face with her Lord and Savior on April 10, 2022, in Columbia, Tennessee. We rejoice knowing that she has now reunited with those she loved so dearly.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Norman Elzmore Long. She is survived by her children Norman Mark Long (Jill) of Olive Branch, Mississippi, and Cathy Ann Long Holt (Todd) of Columbia, Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her first-born son W.A. Long and is survived by his wife Kay Long of Collierville, Tennessee.
Geneva was born on September 25, 1931, at Paraquet, Arkansas. She was the daughter of Jim and Elsie Decker Shaw and is survived by one brother, Roy Shaw of Charlotte, AR, and sisters: Lucille Gabris of Thonotosassa, Florida, Fern McClure of Olive Branch, Mississippi, and Ruby Smith of Newark, Arkansas.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers Fred, J.E., and I.J. Shaw, and sisters Helen Wygal, and Ann Lewallen,
The closeness of her ten siblings was one of her most prized possessions in this life. Many life lessons were learned living in a large family during the depression. She was very close to her many nieces and nephews.
She met the love of her life just after he had returned from World War II, and she married Elzmore on October 4, 1945. They spent almost 62 years together and as he would say, that was “just not quite long enough.” Together they embarked on a wonderful life, settling in Memphis, Tennessee for 24 years where they raised their children.
Elzmore and Geneva founded Dixie Linoleum and Carpet in Memphis in the 50s and in 1974 they retired and returned home to Cord. Geneva retired from Emerson Electric-White Roger in Batesville after 11 years.
Geneva was saved on Sunday morning December 22, 1957, when she was 27 years old. She was a long-time member of Cord Baptist Church and the Lydia Sunday School Class. Geneva loved spending time with her church family. She involved herself any way she could including; singing in the choir, teaching children’s classes, serving on committees, and helping greet. She was at church anytime the doors were open and for years opened the door and turned on the lights. Her pastor Bro Jeff Childers, Nikki and their children hold a special place in her heart.
She was always rooting for her children and grandchildren, her local high school sports teams, Razorback basketball, and Cardinal baseball. She loved to play basketball and was even a pitcher for her church team in the 70s. There wasn’t much she couldn’t do. Elzmore and Geneva spent many days together working in the garden, playing cards, camping and fishing. They both enjoyed working hard and having fun.
Geneva was the ultimate hostess. She possessed the gift of hospitality, and no one ever left the Long residence hungry. She was a great cook and always welcomed anyone who stopped in with something delicious. Feeding everyone was her love language.
Another joy was doting on her grandchildren. She leaves her legacy to Jason Kelley Long and his wife, Faith Long of Collierville Tennessee, Wendy Ann Young of Collierville, Tennessee, Jonathan Ellis Long of Louisville, Kentucky, and Jacob Norman Long of Memphis, Tennessee. Abigail Grace Holt and Anna Kate Holt (the baby, the favorite) both of Columbia, Tennessee. Great-grandchildren include Macie Jewel Long, Caleb Michael Long, Andrew Kelley Long, Wilder Avery Young and Rowan James Young.
There is a huge hole left in our hearts because she was so special to all of us. We will miss her daily calls, her fried chicken, fried pies, her funny comments on our new shoes, beards, haircuts or lack thereof. But mostly we will miss our mother’s fierce love for us all. We look forward to the day we are together again in heaven.
Services are Thursday, April 14, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. with visitation starting at 1:00 p.m.at the Cord Baptist Church with Bro. Jeff Childers officiating. Burial will follow at the Center Grove Cemetery in Charlotte, Arkansas.
Pallbearers will be K. Michael Osborne, Chuck Osborne, Randy Morrison, Jason Gardner, Alan Shaw, Michael Shaw, Scott McClure, Barry Lillard and Darren Lillard.
