Betty Jean Long

She was surrounded by her family and friends. Bet was born on January 3, 1927, the 7th out of 11 children, born to Henry and Minnie McManus. She lived her entire life in Union County. Bet was a unique character who always called things the way she saw them. She was often referred to as “Old Grandma” or “Grandma O” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to tell stories about growing up in a large family or about one of the many fishing trips she took with her husband and friends. She loved cooking and was a great cook especially her pound cakes, chicken and dumplings, and biscuits. She also loved family beach vacations, chocolate, but most of all a home grown tomato. She worked at many jobs during her life, including the Shell plant near Pineville, where they made ammunition during World War II. At her passing she was the oldest member of New Salem Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Olin Long; son, Roger Long; grandson, Brian Long; and son-in-law, Dean Hinson; 5 brothers, Cecil, Rob, Bud, Paul, and Eugene; 4 sisters, Mildred, Helen, Mary, and Frances. She is survived by her daughters; Jo Ann Griffin (Carroll Wayne) and Sandy Hinson; daughter-in-law, Marsha Long; sister, Geraldine Griffin; grandchildren, Anita Couick, Toby Griffin (Monica), Jeffrey Long (Kim), Seth Hinson, Cameron Hinson (Tracey), and Katie Miers (Drew); great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Ethan, Jacob and Joseph Griffin, Juliana and Ryan Long, Aydan, Jemma, Jonah, and Quinn Miers; and special lifelong friend and caregiver, Betty Helms. She was very special and will greatly be missed by her whole family and everyone that knew her.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 1:00 pm at New Salem Baptist Church located at 2915 Goldmine Road in Monroe, NC. A service to celebrate her life will then follow at the church at 2:00 pm with burial following at Lakeland Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to New Salem Baptist Church. McEwen Funeral Home of Monroe is honored to serve the family of Betty Jean McManus Long.