Emily Long

A memorial service celebrating the life of Emily Elizabeth Long will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel at First United Methodist Church in downtown Shreveport. Officiating will be Rev. Gerald Long, Emily’s uncle. Friends and family are invited to gather from 2:00pm to honor and remember her vibrant, joyful, creative, and loving spirit.

Emily passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 15, 2025, with her beloved dog Annie by her side — just days before her 54th birthday. Born on April 23, 1971, in Minden, Louisiana, she was the daughter of Dr. William “Bill” Long and Patricia Cole Chalaire.

A devoted mother, daughter, sister, and friend, Emily was a woman of quiet strength, unshakable loyalty, sweetness, and deep feeling. She loved fiercely — especially when it came to her family, friends, and animals.

Emily had a deep love for her family, and she shared a meaningful companionship with her father in his final years — especially during LSU football games, whether or not she knew the score. Their time together was filled with small, sacred moments that reflected the unshakable bond they shared. Her greatest joy in life was her daughter, Sarah, who was the heart of her world — the deepest, most devoted love of her life. Emily was always there, cheering Sarah on and loving her through every chapter.

Emily found purpose in her work as a Respiratory Therapist, and she offered more than medical care — she offered presence, patience, and compassion. To her patients, she was a steady light in vulnerable moments. Whether driving long distances for home visits, visiting hospital rooms, or striking up a heartfelt conversation with a complete stranger in the grocery store, she brought warmth, authenticity, and a gentle spirit wherever she went. People felt seen around her — and safe to be themselves.

Spiritually, Emily found comfort in The Ragamuffin Gospel, a book that reminded her that God's love meets us exactly where we are — in our mess, in our beauty, in our truth. Her life was a living example of that message: imperfect and real, overflowing with love, laughter, creativity, and grace.

She lived life vibrantly — with a style all her own and a soul full of music, creativity, and light. Emily had a gift for turning ordinary moments into adventures. She was a natural storyteller, quick with a witty remark, a warm laugh, or a beautifully chosen gift that made others feel seen.

Nature spoke to Emily’s spirit. She found beauty in butterflies, hummingbirds, turtles, and quiet moments in the sunshine. She once stopped traffic to rescue a turtle crossing the road — a simple act so reflective of her heart. Animals, especially her sweet Annie, brought her joy, and she loved them deeply in return.

She is survived by her daughter, Sarah Lewis, and son-in-law, Ian Davies; her mother and stepfather, Pat and Frank Chalaire; and her sisters, Anna Bastian and husband Kent Brown (Abigail); Faith Dickinson (Pierce, Knox, Indie); and Dr. Grace Edgar and her husband Brandon (Maverick and Garrison). She is also remembered by many extended family members, cherished friends, and all whose lives she touched — including Annie, who is now in the care of a family who will love her as much as Emily did.

Emily was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Bill Long, and her grandmother, Daisy Cole.

She will be remembered for her compassion, creativity, wit, artistic soul, and the way she loved others without hesitation and gave freely of herself. Her journey was not always easy, but it was rich with love, laughter, glimpses of grace, and undeniable beauty.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Emily’s name to a local animal rescue, a cause close to her heart.