Lois Long
Lois Elizabeth Roberts Long, 88, of Hixson, Tennessee, passed away on Saturday, December 4, 2023, at her home.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Harl Alexander Long, her parents Homer Henry and Myrtle Gertrude (Maynor) Roberts, brother Homer Henry Roberts, Jr., sisters Mildred Ora Cope, Ellen Florene Hughes, and Helen Jean Phillips.
She is survived by her sister Betty Sue Beam, daughters Linda Long Lord (Gary), Sande Long Shealy (Jimmy), grandchildren Ryan Shealy (Makayla), Haley Shealy, Sarah Lord, Zach Lord, and Annie Lord Blackard (Ruff), great grandchildren Allie Lord, Jack Wengler, Sam Blackard and her newest pride and joy Robert Shealy and many nieces and nephews.
She was a longtime member of Hixson United Methodist Church, a member of choir and the Open Door Sunday School class.
Lois was born on Nov. 27, 1935, in Jackson County, Alabama. Her childhood was spent on Sand Mountain, enjoying her family, attending school and church and singing in church choirs. After graduating from business college, she worked at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, as a secretary. While in Huntsville she met her husband, Harl. They wed after a three-month courtship. They moved to Pensacola, Fl., where both of their daughters were born. She was a stay-at-home mom because to quote her “that’s what women of my generation did”. Harl was in air traffic control, so generally to get promoted you had to move. The family lived in Meridian, Ms., Chattanooga, Clearwater, Fl., Fayetteville, Ga., finally settling in Hixson.
Lois was always active in the church, attending Sunday School and singing in the choir wherever they lived and making sure her family attended as well.
After her husband died, Lois became active in the First Centenary singles group and later in the singles group at Hixson United Methodist Church. She even learned to drive the church bus to take the singles on trips. She enjoyed going to lunch after church with her friends.
She was a member of the the Scenic City Sweet Adelines and sang with them for over 30 years.
She enjoyed going to live music and especially going to see her friend and Blues singer E. G. Kight who called her “Mama Lois”.
She was an avid traveler. She traveled with Clark Tours on just about every trip they offered. She also traveled with family and friends. A favorite spot was Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Alabama. She traveled there with family almost every year. She was excited to visit Austria when the church choir had an opportunity to go. Daytrips with the church were also a favorite.
Lois loved to help people. She was a Red Cross volunteer and volunteered at Memorial Hospital for many years. She donated to several charities including Chattanooga Rescue Mission.
Lois especially enjoyed her grandchildren and being their “Granny”. Her grandchildren didn’t have to go to daycare. Instead, they got to spend their days getting treated like little kings and queens. She served the best oatmeal and always had a bowl ready the second they arrived. When the grandchildren got older, she even acted as their shuttle service, including trips to Burger King, providing much needed relief for her daughters who both worked. One of the last things she wished for was more time to spend with them and each one wishes that were the case.
Lois will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 7, at Hixson United Methodist Church, 5301 Old Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m., with the service beginning at 12 p.m. Burial will be at Lakewood Memory Gardens East following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity or to Hixson United Methodist Church.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, Tn. 37343.