JW Long

LONG, Mr. JW - age 81, passed away, Monday, May 30, 2016 at Boulevard Health Center of Rochester Hills. Family hour 10:30AM Monday June 6, 2016 at Anointed Word Ministries (Calvary Missionary Baptist Church), 1361 Giddings Rd., with funeral service commencing immediately at 11AM. Interment Oak Hill Cemetery, 216 University Drive. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the church 10:30AM Monday. Mr. Long will lie in state in the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 268 N. Perry St., and may be viewed from 10AM-4PM Sunday. The family will be present from 2-4PM Sunday. JW Long, was born to George & Lurlene (Hagins) Long, on March 15, 1935 in Colt, Arkansas. He departed this life on May 30, 2016. He was the fourth of ten children and educated in the Forrest City School System. JW worked as a farmer for five years, beginning in 1955. That same year, he married Bernice Briscoe. Unto this union, nine children were born: Carolyn; Leonard; Linda; Michael; Cynthia; Lester; Vernita; Charles; and A’Kena. Later, he worked for Forrest City Machine and Works as a truck driver and painter. In 1966, he moved to Pontiac, MI and began working at General Motors as a fork truck driver. He later began working for Brady Miller Trucking Company. Because of his passion for truck driving, nine years later, he became an entrepreneur as an owner/operator of his own 18-wheeler diesel truck. He inspired his son, nephew, cousin, and grandson to become truck drivers as well. In 2004, he retired from GNC Transport where he faithfully served for 14 years. JW accepted Christ and was baptized in River Langley in Arkansas and then again in Pontiac, MI. He was a faithful tither and deacon at Anointed Word Ministries (formerly known as Calvary Hill COGIC). He often recalled how he received the Holy Spirit while driving cross country and saw the letters G-O-D flash across his windshield. His entire life consisted of only three things: family; work; and church. He was dedicated to his family and financially supported his children’s many endeavors. JW was an immaculately dressed man often donning a stylish hat that he referred to as his “sky piece.” Even as a truck driver, he always wore heavily creased dress slacks and freshly pressed dress shirts. He passed his style down to his children and was very particular about how they and his grandchildren were dressed. He would chastise whomever was responsible for them not wearing undershirts, sweaters, and having well-groomed hair. JW was an avid gardener and carpenter. He loved growing vegetables and grapes, making grape juice, and sharing it with family and friends. Well into his 70’s, he climbed his trees, trimmed them annually, and was always in the midst of a home improvement project. One day, his daughter stopped by to visit, searching for him all around the house, only to find him stuck on the roof. Also, he cut his lawn twice a week and would not let anyone walk or play on it, often shouting, “Stay off my grass!” Seasonally, he canned fruit and insisted that the entire family participate. Annually, he visited Eastern Market for his family’s Christmastime treats: fruit; nuts; candy; and Towne Club pop. JW loved spending time with his family. Moreover, he loved playing checkers and no one could beat him until his daughter finally defeated him. On any given day, he was often heard sharing old stories about growing up in the south. He especially treated his children’s friends like they were his own. He had such compassion for others that he would pay for anyone to eat—family, friends, and even strangers. Preceding JW in death are his children: Carolyn, Michael, and Leonard; grandson, LaJuan Long, Sr.; siblings: Alford Long, Inez Jefferson, George Long, Gloverstine Wakefield, Lemmuel and Percy Long. Leaving to cherish JW’s memory is his wife, Bernice; children: Linda (Frank) Rodgers, Cynthia (Curtis) Rush, Lester Long, Vernita (Steven) Parker, Charles (Tulya) Long, and A’Kena (Larry) LongBenton; grandchildren: Cynetha & Curtis Rush II, Courtney & Whitney Rodgers, Nicole & Cleo Long, Yvonne Zachary, Alexus & Sophia Long, and Keonna Parker; great grandchildren: LaJuan Long, Jr., Amare’ Harris, Erik Long, Frank Rodgers III, and Chayse Long-Rayner; siblings: Katherine Long, Jewel Scott, and Hazel Richardson, and a host of other family members and friends.

JW Long

March 15, 1935 - May 30, 2016