Photo courtesy of Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home
Gary, Indiana
Jul 14, 1944 – Jun 9, 2025
CLICK HERE TO VIEW LIVE SERVICE!
Arna Jean Sanders Younger Long, 80, of Indiana, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2025. Born in Utica, Mississippi, she was a devoted educator, coach, and woman of faith. A graduate of Jackson State University, she taught at Gary Westside (1969–72), Hammond Tech, and Hammond High School until her retirement in 2003.
She was preceded in death by husbands Nathaniel Younger and Will Long. She is survived by her daughter Katrice and son Charles.
Read MoreI loved Ms. Arna. She was a patient of mine when I worked for Walmart pharmacy , and a customer of mine where I currently work for Kolas' Christian bookstore. She will be missed.
Rebecca Sanchez
August 06, 2025 | Hammond, IN | Friend
My heart is so heavy and saddened to hear of the passing of Mrs. Younger-Long. My Deepest Condolences and Sympathy to the entire family. Ms. Arna was my favorite teacher at Hammond Tech, she would sometimes bring me home with her to be with Katrice. Katrice and Charles, Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. Katrice, please email me at the email address...
LaTreacha Henderson
July 25, 2025 | St Louis Park, MN | Student
In loving memory of a wonderful swim instructor, I saw Mrs. Younger when I visited Gary, she remembered me, we both laughed when she reminded me how I use to hate to swim, also so nice, kind and had lots of patience. My sincere condolences
Walteretta Collins-Crumpton
July 13, 2025 | Jonesboro, GA | Student
Arna was a wonderful person. It was always a pleasure to talk to her. She was a member of my scripture and prayer chain . She will definitely be missed. Family cherish her memories.
Joyce Sprouse
July 08, 2025 | Munster, IN | Friend
She will be missed and always loved. She will always be our sister-in-law.
Shirley Cloud
July 07, 2025 | Jackson, MS | Family
R.I.H Mrs Long was an amazing mother. I am a childhood friend of Charles and i most remember her and my mom being friends and her always taking us to fun places and she loved to shop. I can't say enough about her kindness.
Jennifer Harrell
July 07, 2025 | Indianapolis, IN | Friend
You will truly be missed. Love Shara Ervin of Aurora, IL.
Shara Ervin
July 05, 2025 | Aurora, IL | Family
Mrs. Long was first my gym teacher, then as life would have it, she was my colleague at Hammond High. She was a great woman of God. Will miss her dearly. May the Lord bless and comfort her family and friends.
Conja Halliburton
July 03, 2025 | Hammond, IN | Coworker
My Aunt Jean was a kind, and loving person, who I enjoyed talking with. I am going to miss, our girl talk. Aunt Jean & I, always told each other, I love you. Rip my Beautiful Auntie Jean
Val Smith
July 03, 2025 | Hemet, CA | Family