Martha Magdalena Atteberry Long

MARTHA MAGDALENA ATTEBERRY LONG, of Houston, passed away May 1, 2003 at the age of 97. Known affectionately as "Billie," she lived a full life as a devoted Christian, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Born in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma on December 18, 1905, Martha grew up in Springfield, Missouri, and attended Southwest State Teachers College. Martha lived her life in Christ and was an involved member of the First Baptist Church in Springfield, the First Baptist Church in Dallas, and finally became a charter member of the Second Baptist Church of Houston in 1966. She was an active member of the Mary Martha Sunday School Class and served as President 1955 to 1956 and 1975 to 1977. Martha also served as a volunteer helping others for many years in the St. Luke's Auxiliary in Houston. Martha was a strong and forthright woman. Many would describe her as someone who did what needed to be done, and taught others how to do the same. She was an expert seamstress and an avid gardener whose gardens grew green under her gentle and diligent touch. Martha was a caring grandmother who gave freely of her love and knowledge to her grandchildren. She was a spiritual leader among her family and friends and she encouraged a Christian life. Martha was preceded in death by her loving husband, Emery Meredith "Jack" Long; devoted daughter, Grace Delene Long; brother, William Atteberry; and sister, Gretchen Atteberry. She is survived by her son, Meredith J. Long and wife, Cornelia Cullen Long; her niece, Jane Cunningham; and step-sister, Martha Gould. She is also survived by grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Ernest Meredith Long and wife Dorothy and their children, Molly Crispen and Meredith Taylor; Jenny Long Murphy and husband Edwin and their children, Laura Catherine, John "Jack" Meredith, and Caroline Rose; Gretchen Long Jameson and husband, Peter and their child, Kelly Grace; Martha Katherine Long; Cornelia O'Leary Zilkha and husband Michael and their children, Daniel Michael and Lucinda Louise; Alisa Erin O'Leary; John Cavanaugh O'Leary, Jr. and wife Blanca and their son, John Cavanaugh O'Leary, III. Martha's family is deeply grateful for the loving and devoted care provided by Josephine Flores, Yvonne Wike, Maria Watson, and Era Adams. Mrs. Long will lie in state on Sunday, the 4th of May 2003, from 10 o'clock in the morning until 5 o'clock in the Gold Room of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. A memorial service will be conducted at 3:30 o'clock in the afternoon on Monday, the 5th of May 2003, in the Hankamer Chapel of the Second Baptist Church, 6400 Woodway Drive in Houston, with Dr. James DeLoach and Dr. Gary Peil officiating. In lieu of usual remembrances, and for those who desire, donations in Martha's name may be sent to the Second Baptist Church Missions, 6400 Woodway Drive, Houston, Texas, 77057.