Gloria Long

Family will receive friends Saturday December 28, 2024 at 11a.m. until time of service at 12:00 p.m.at Gospel Lighthouse 600 Frebis Avenue Columbus, OH 43206.
On July 4, 1953, Gloria Jeanette Long was born to George and Gertrude Long, Sr. in Columbus, Ohio. She was the eldest of four children and declared "The Baby" of the family by her siblings. On Thursday, December 12, 2024, Gloria departed this life to join her parents and her beloved son, Jason M. Long as she transitioned to Glory with Jesus! Gloria attended Pilgrim Elementary School, Champion Middle School and was a graduate of East High School. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work from Kentucky State University and her Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Louisville. She was an active member of the alumni organizations and enjoyed life tie relationships with a host of friends from her college days. As a lifelong learner and avid educator, she was in pursuit of her doctoral degree and successfully completed all requirements but her dissertation for her PhD at Ohio State University. Gloria, a Licensed Social Worker served as a Professor at Wilmington College in Wilmington, Ohio and The Ohio State University Department of Social Work for many years. She had a profound love for helping people who were disenfranchised, marginalized, alienated and disregarded by society or persons who just felt overwhelmed with the emotional pain and injustices that sometimes life affords us, even as she endured tremendous pain from the many losses in her life. She purposed to bring joy to others....and she did!! She was a gifted, extraordinarily perceptive counselor and engaged with people of all ages, genders and ethnic backgrounds in many community institutions and organizations including Children's Hospital, Central Community House, The Rickenbacker Woods Foundation, Kentucky University and the Franklin Co. Branch of the Women's Prison in Columbus just to name a few. She was a giver of life, of joy, of wisdom, of laughter and of substance. Gloria was Africentric in her life view, her persona, her dress, her art in everything. She was part of a small group of leaders in Columbus who envisioned, helped design and brought into reality the now thriving Africentric School in the Columbus City School District. Gloria had a beautiful speaking and singing voice. She played a leading role in the Production of "The Soul of Nat Turner" presented at the Ohio Theatre. Three passions emanated throughout her life: her relationship with her Living God, her love for family, and healing for children and community from the ravages of racism, sexism and trauma. Gloria was a highly sought after speaker locally and nationally. She had the pleasure of speaking alongside individuals like Dick Gregory and Les Brown. Her sessions at conferences were often filled to capacity that other presenters would have had no audience if attendance was not required. She had an amazing sense of humor which cut through ordinary perceptions of life, people, society and laughter from her audiences would fill the venues. Gloria wore many hats for many people as a counselor, motivational speaker, advocate, spiritual advisor, teacher and friend. She was a person you could laugh with, bond with, cry with and talk with. She never met a stranger. She was a faithful member of Gospel Lighthouse Church and a graduate of the Gospel Lighthouse School of Ministry. She was also a Board-Certified Christian Counselor by the National Association of Christian Counselors accredited through Gospel Lighthouse's Biblical Counseling Program. Gloria was an extraordinary mother who loved, nurtured, taught and protected her children unconditionally. She was a woman who lived a fulfilled life, loved the Lord, her family, and God's people with all her heart and strength. She was a true testament to God's unfailing love and will be sorely missed! Gloria Jeanette Long is predeceased by her parents, George and Gertrude Long, Sr., and son, Jason M. Long. She leaves to cherish precious memories, her loving daughter, Khaleeqa IbnSadiika; Grand- daughter, Cierra Taylor; Grandsons, Se'Von Long and Malachi Ibn-Sadiika; Siblings, Nancy Long, George "Pete" (Dorcal) Long, Jr., and Mary (Ron) King; Goddaughters, Monica Scott and Ta'Keisha Green; Niece Yolanda Long, Nephews George (PJ) Long, lll, Russell St Clair, Randy King. A host of cousins, other family members and a large loving and adoring village of spiritual family members and friends. "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." 2 Corinthians 5:1 KJV
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