Gloria Long, a beloved mother, grandmother, educator, and community leader, was born on April 4, 1953, in Dublin, Georgia. She peacefully transitioned, leaving behind a legacy of service, dedication, and love that will forever be cherished by those who knew her. Gloria was a woman of many passions. She found joy in crafting and decorating, and she was an avid reader with a deep and abiding love for education. Her enthusiasm for learning extended far beyond herself, as she dedicated her life to nurturing and inspiring others. A devoted educator, Gloria served at West Shore Elementary School for 34 years, where she made a lasting impact on countless students and families. She held many leadership roles, including Head of the Safety Patrol Committee and Chairperson for the first Kindergarten Q & U Wedding. Her commitment to education also extended to her work as a YMCA Coordinator and Tutoring Lead. Her excellence in education was recognized through numerous honors and awards, including: Teacher of the Year, Ida S. Baker Diversity Educator of the Year Award, Who's Who Among American Teachers, Walmart and McDonald's Teacher of the Year. Gloria pursued higher education at Hillsborough Community College and Nova Southeastern University, earning her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. She was also a proud graduate of Middleton High School, class of 1971. Outside of her professional life, Gloria was a huge sports fan who loved both football and basketball. She brought that same energy and enthusiasm into every aspect of her life.

Gloria was preceded in death by her son, Wilbert J. Long, Jr.; parents, Thurmon Moore, Sr. and Maggie Lee Moore; brother, Thurmon Moore, Jr.; aunts, Daisy Thompkins, Mazzie Moore, Fannie Mae Diggs, Doretha Denson, and Betty Moore; her uncles, Zebbie L. Thompkins, Edsel Moore, Theodis Moore, Albert Moore, and Simone Moore; her former husband, Wilbert J. Long, Sr.; her best friend, Katherine Taylor; and former principal, Harriet Foundas.

She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughters, Amanda Long and Ashley Long; her beloved grandchildren, Darian Walters, Jr., Sa'Niya Brown, Sasha Walters, and Miracle Kellum; her sisters, Terri Moore Dennis (Ali) and Patricia Thompson; her aunts, Ruby Diggs, Dora Moore, and Mamie J. Thompkins; and her uncle, Aubrey Thompkins (Aretha). Gloria also leaves behind a host of loving nieces and great-nieces, including Monica, Robin, Bernadette, Jecova, Brittany, Sable, Sequoyah, and Danica; nephews and great-nephews, including Wilbert E., Thurmon, Dominique, John, Corey, Eugene, Sam, William, Michael, and Mario; as well as her dear friends Betsy Cubilette and Gwen Williams. She was also deeply loved by her godsons, Duan Williams, Tyrone Williams, John Strong, and AJ Young; and her goddaughters, Helena Green, Kemeka Murphy, Sherece Smith, Katrina Whitening, Felicia Mitchell, Zuleka Jones, Stephanie Myers, Lorandy Clark, and Tameka Monroe. Gloria's life was a testament to faith, service, and unconditional love. Her legacy will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.