Connie R Long

Funeral services for Connie R. Long, 61, of Knoxville, will be held Thursday, March 5, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Faith Baptist Church in Knoxville. Interment will be at the Greenwood Cemetery following the service. Family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Memorials may be made in care of her family to be designated at a later date.

Connie was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa, on November 5, 1964, to John McDonald and Regina Cooper. She grew up in the Columbia and Chariton area and graduated from Chariton High School in 1983. That same year, she married her high school sweetheart, Brian Long, beginning a lifelong love story rooted in faith, devotion, and family.

Connie was, first and foremost, a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Her family was her greatest joy and her highest calling. She lovingly cared for her home and those within it, always placing the needs of others before her own. In addition to being a homemaker, she worked at Karen's Closet and PAMIDA in Chariton, Hy-Vee in Knoxville, and volunteered at Helping Hands. She had a special love for children and frequently babysat for friends and neighbors, always ready to help and always doing so with a full heart.

Creativity was one of Connie's many gifts. She had a talent for art and crafts, and she delighted in giving thoughtful cards and flowers to family members, small gestures that carried great meaning. She truly had a green thumb, and one of her greatest prides and joys was her beautiful rose bed on Ashland Street in Chariton. Embroidery was another hobby she enjoyed, and like everything she did, it was done with patience and care.

Connie also showed her love through food. Her kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter, and comfort. Her ham balls were a family favorite, and she was especially known for her sweets - cookies, homemade turtles, Dutch letters, and bowls of ice cream shared generously with family and neighbors. The smiles and gratitude she received meant the world to her, because serving others brought her genuine happiness.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Connie was a true prayer warrior. If someone needed prayers, she was there without hesitation. Raised in a Baptist family, she found strength and purpose in her relationship with the Lord. In recent years, she especially enjoyed cleaning the church and serving wherever she was needed, quietly and faithfully.

Connie passed away on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Lucas County Health Center, surrounded by her loving family. She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Regina McDonald.

She will be deeply missed by her devoted husband, Brian Long; her children, Donald Long and Christopher (Chelsea) Long; her cherished grandchildren, Violet, Brentley, and Amber; her siblings, Vicki (Jim) Vanderlinden, Gwen (fiancé Jerry Carter) Musick, Debbie (Rusty) Clark, Cindy (Dennis) Arnold, Julie (Eric) Arnold, Teresa Cobb, and Dan (Tammy) McDonald; countless individuals who lovingly called her Mom and Grandma; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives, and dear friends.

Connie's life was one of quiet service, steadfast faith, and unconditional love. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the prayers she lifted, and the countless small acts of kindness that made a lasting difference in the lives of so many.