Elsie M. Delong

Elsie Marie Delong, 84, from Lakeland, FL went to the arms of Jesus on
April 10, 2025.
Elsie was born on March 7, 1941 in Mascotte, Florida to Rev. Frank R.
Mickler and Ella Marie Mickler who preceded her in death. Her parents
served the Lord as ministers in the Church of God. She was raised in a
Christian home with her sister, Ruth, and three brothers, Albert, Bobby,
and Tommy. Elsie spent her younger years growing up in Tavares, FL,
where her father was the pastor, as well as in Ferndale, FL.
Elsie dearly loved her family. She was a great cook of southern food and
took immense pride and enjoyment when hosting holiday and family
celebrations. Elsie was also a very gifted seamstress and drapery tailor. She
was the owner of Elsie's Draperies. She made custom draperies and
bedding for several years for Ethan Allen in central Florida. It was a
personal goal and legacy of love that she complete a handmade quilt for
each of her children and grandchildren. These will continue to be treasured
gifts.
Elsie was preceded in death by her husband Jimmie Joy Delong. She was
preceded in death by her first husband and father of her three children,
Gene Smith, Sr. Also, her brothers Albert F. Mickler, Sr., Robert D. Mickler,
and Tommy Mickler preceded her in death.
Elsie is survived by her children Gene Smith, Jr and wife Mella (FL),
Deborah (Smith) Shepherd and husband Stephen (FL), and Glenn Smith
and wife Jill (FL). She is survived by three grandchildren, Alisha Green
(FL), Amber Turner and husband Samuel (TX), and Ethan Smith (FL). She
is survived by six great-grandchildren, Chloe, Ainsley, Stetson, Novalee,
Easton and Melina. Elsie is also survived by her sister, Ruth (Mickler)
Hoskins and husband Lawrence (FL), and sisters-in-law Rosalie Mickler
(FL) and Jean Reber (FL). In addition, she has many nieces and nephews
who have loved her and will miss her.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 19, 2025.
Visitation: 10:00 am – 11:00
Service: 11:00 am
Interment immediately following.
Lakeland Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens
2125 Bartow Rd. Lakeland, FL 33801
863-686-2125
You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory.
Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I
desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of
my heart and my portion forever.
Psalm 73:24-26
The family of Elsie Delong wishes to thank the staff at Bedrock
Rehabilitation and Nursing Services at Wedgewood and the staff at Good
Shepherd Hospice who all went above and beyond in their care for Elsie
and her family during this time. Your kindness and support were
invaluable.
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