Madelyn Phillips Long

Madelyn Phillips Long, 95, of Hertford, NC, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 15, 2026.

Born on September 23, 1930 in Perquimans County, NC, Madelyn was the wife of the late Emmett Banes Long and the daughter of Charlie Thomas Phillips and Mattie White Phillips, both deceased. Madelyn was a lifelong resident of the Bethel Community and a graduate of Perquimans County High School, Class of 1948. She loved traveling with Emmett, playing the piano for the enjoyment of others, and baking cakes and pies to share. Madelyn was a faithful member and musician for the Hertford and Edenton Eastern Star Chapters, the Center for Active Living in Hertford, as well as events at her home church, Bethel Baptist. She was an active member there, not only with music, but as a member of WMU and was a Girl’s Auxiliary leader.

Madelyn was honored for her 60 years of membership in the North Carolina Homemaker's Extension Club and was also an active member of the Bethel Ruritan Club.

She was involved with many local groups, and volunteered for several years at Hertford Grammar School, helping students with reading. Madelyn will be remembered for the many thoughtful and caring cards and notes she wrote to encourage others.

Survivors include her daughter, Ellen Long Baber of Linden, NC; two grandchildren, Stephen Thomas and wife, Sarah of Greenville, NC and Lauren Carpenter and husband, Kevin of Nashville, NC; three great grandchildren, Calvin, Madeline, and Connor; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins that were special to her.

In addition to her husband and parents, Madelyn was preceded in death by her siblings, Thomas, Clarence, and Marjorie; and her son-in-law, Clyde Baber.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026 at the Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home Chapel, Hertford, NC. Interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery, Hertford, NC. The family will greet friends from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family wishes to thank the friends and neighbors who helped Madelyn in her last years of living at home, as well as those who visited her at The Landings and at Windsor House.

Flowers are welcome and memorial contributions may be sent to Samaritan’s Purse, Operation Christmas Child www.samaritanspurse.org

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, NC is assisting the Long family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com