Kay Nelson Long (born 11/12/39) passed away peacefully and with loved ones on March 9, 2024. A Knoxville native, Kay was the epitome of a strong southern woman. Loving, gracious, intelligent, and empathetic, Kay devoted her life to her family. A graduate of the University of Tennessee School of Journalism, she worked as an English teacher and had a brief stint as the Director of the Census Bureau in Knoxville. Kay had a passion for reading and lively debates, always encouraging her children to be educated and to make their voices heard. She would be the first to say that she lived a good life full of love, joy, and most importantly, laughter.
Kay was preceded in death by her husband, James H. Long, Jr., and her siblings (John, Jerry, and Sabra). She leaves behind her two children, Janus Long Jacobs (Michael), and Jason Hursel Long (Carol Anne), as well as a host of grandchildren (Zach, Emily, Josh, James, Janie, Sawyer, Shepherd and Sinclaire) whom she adored. The family will have a private graveside service.
