Shirley I Long

Shirley Long was born on July 2, 1932, in Arlington, Massachusetts. She attended Arlington High School and The Katharine Gibbs School in Boston. Shirley and her family moved to Clearwater, FL in 1963. She worked as a legal secretary before joining the staff of Gulf to Bay Bank and Trust Company founded by her future husband Harris E. “Zip” Long. As personnel director, she became one of the first female vice-presidents of Exchange Bank and Trust of Clearwater.

After Shirley’s retirement in 1979, The Longs married and began a legacy of charitable giving. Benefactors included the Salvation Army, Shriner’s Hospital, University of Florida, and most notably the Long Center, a union of Clearwater Parks and Recreation and UPARC, now know as the ARC.

After her husbands passing, Shirley continued supporting causes close to her heart. These included the First Christian Church of Clearwater, The Florida Orchestra and the Morton Plant Mease Hospital Foundation where she served as Chairman of the Spirituality Board. Her financial gifts were instrumental in the inception of the Care Channel and most recently the Shirley Long Chapel in Morton Plant Hospital. She was awarded the “Golden Flame” award and “Mrs. Clearwater” for her contributions to the community.

Shirley will be remembered for her unconditional love of her family and community. Known as “Nana” to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she served as the role of head coach and head cheerleader keeping up with all of their sports and academic achievements. She was passionate about their schooling, ensuring that they received the best possible educations for the best possible futures. She was known for her long encouraging texts or emails and her incredible sense of humor.

Shirley enjoyed her membership at Belleair Country Club, golfing into her late 80’s. She said she couldn’t really hit it very far, but she could usually hit it straight! Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Walter and Genevieve Wallstrom, her husband, Harris E. “Zip” Long, her sister Virginia Eilertson, son-in-law Dale Patton and her step-son Charles W. Long.

She is survived by her long-time companion John “Jack” Donlan, son Paul Goodwin, daughters Laurie Patton-Smith (Blain) and Leslie Downs (Cliff), her grandson Trevor Patton, granddaughters Whitney Hermandorfer (Greg) and Julianne Colbert (Luke), great grandchildren Hayley, Hannah, Harper, and Lukas. Also, step-daughters Peggee Cuson (Chuck) and Judith Shafers along with their children.

The family would like to thank Care Placement Home Health Agency for their loving care for the last two years.

A celebration of life will be held January 06, 2024, at First Christian Church of Clearwater, 2299 Drew Street, Clearwater, FL, 33765 at 3:00 pm. A visitation will be held in the fellowship hall immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Christian Church of Clearwater or to the Morton Plant Mease Health Care Foundation, 1200 Druid Road South Belleair, FL 33756.