Janet Elaine Long

Janet Elaine Lightfoot Long, 74, a native Wacoan, died suddenly Sunday afternoon in her home in North Dallas. Her devoted husband of 44 years, Richard Leslie "Les" Long, was at her side. Paramedics were unable to resuscitate her.

Ms. Long will be cremated. A memorial and interment service is to be determined at Waco Memorial Park Cemetery, 6623 IH-35, Robinson, TX, near her deceased parents, Wm. D. "Curly" and Louise Armstrong Lightfoot Bailey.

The vivacious but reserved Janet graduated from Richfield High School, Waco, in 1969. As a teenager, she delivered news reports for Wm. George "Dub" King, a noted CenTex TV sports commentator. The multitalented woman was an avid golfer who learned to play at Ridgewood Country Club, as well as to play proficiently the flute and piano.

Ms. Long graduated in 1973 from Texas Christian University, with a Bachelor in Business Administration degree.. While an employee of the office of the U.S. Comptroller of Currency (OCC) in Tulsa, OK, she was commissioned as one of the first female bank examiners, a rare accomplishment for the time.

During her 10-year career, she was assigned to Washington, DC, where she was instrumental in helping write the OCC Compliance Handbook. Janet also became an Enrolled Agent, allowing her to present tax matters and audits before the Internal Revenue Service.

The Longs met at an OCC school in Washington where they both were serving as instructors. After marriage, the couple seldom sat around discussing finance, preferring to spend time at S. Padre Island with their son or to go antiquing for fine furniture, glassware and collectibles.

When the family lived in Houston, Janet taught kindergarten in West Houston Church of Christ and served on the board of a local water control and improvement district (W.C.I.D.). In the final 15 years of her career, she assisted possibly thousands of individuals with their annual tax returns.

Colleagues and friends agreed that she was "exceedingly smart" and "quick to grasp the details" of difficult cases and situations. She was known for her empathy in helping senior citizens with their tax filings, going to great lengths to find savings and to earn their longtime loyalty.

Despite years of ongoing health issues, she managed and endured due to her abiding faith in Christ. Ms. Long was a lifelong member of the Church of Christ wherever she resided.

Survivors include her husband, their son Matt and his wife Amanda and their children Matthew, Brayden and Averie of Aledo, TX. Also, her sister Linda and husband Robert Treadwell of Garland, and numerous first cousins in Waco and Rockwall.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations may be made to the American Cancer Society.

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