Elaine Long

Elaine Long, 79, of Mint Hill, North Carolina, passed peacefully on October 23, 2025, at Novant Medical Center in Mint Hill, surrounded by the love of her family.
Born on May 3, 1946, in Mecklenburg County, Elaine was the cherished daughter of Paul and Virginia Helms Linker. She graduated from East Mecklenburg High School and went on to earn her Associate's Degree in Childhood Education and Development from Central Piedmont Community College-a reflection of her lifelong devotion to nurturing young minds.
Elaine dedicated her professional life to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, where she taught Kindergarten and first grade at Clear Creek Elementary. Her classroom was a place of warmth, creativity, and encouragement, where countless children took their first steps into learning under her gentle guidance.
At the tender age of 13, Elaine met Arnold Long at his parents' Texaco Gas Station on the corner of Margaret Wallace Road and Highway 74. Their love story began with youthful innocence and blossomed into a lifelong partnership. They married on Christmas Day in 1966-a date Arnold jokingly claimed was chosen so he wouldn't have to buy an extra present. Their bond was filled with laughter, devotion, and shared joys.
Elaine found delight in life's quiet pleasures. She loved to crochet, solve puzzles, and watch hummingbirds and peacocks with wonder. Her heart was especially tender toward animals, and she adored her dogs and parakeets-most notably her beloved dog, "Patches." and "Tiger", the first dog she and Arnold had who was also the first babysitter their children had.
She is survived by her devoted daughters, Dee (Jim) Featherman and Lynn Long; her siblings, Jerry (Karen) Linker, Ronnie Linker, Mark (Denise) Linker, Carolyn (Larry) Pigg, and Brenda Piercy; her grandchildren, Joseph Paul Long, Garrett Wayne (Jenna) Duncan, Leigha Lynn (Trevor Migliori) Sexton, Jamie Lee Duncan, Joshua Christopher (Sara Simerly) Sexton, Dakota Grey (Brooke Scott) Duncan, and Logan Matthew Duncan; and her great-grandchildren, Freya Duncan, Rose Migliori, Austin Duncan, Lena Duncan, and Asher Duncan.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved husband, Arnold.
Elaine's family has entrusted Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home with the honor of caring for her. A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at her home, 8925 Truelight Church Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227.
Elaine's legacy lives on in the hearts of those she taught, the family she cherished, and the love she gave so freely. Her gentle spirit and radiant smile will be deeply missed and forever remembered.