Shirley Long

1942 - 2026

Shirley McCall Long passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, at the age of 83. She leaves behind a legacy woven from faith, creativity, love, and devoted service - a legacy felt by everyone fortunate enough to have known her. She was a cherished wife, devoted mother and grandmother, dear sister, gifted artist, and a beloved presence in her church and community.

Shirley is survived by her dear husband, Norman A. Long; her children, Kelly St. Claire and Brian A. Long; her grandchildren, Weylin M. Long, Annabelle G. Woogen, and Andrew E. Long; and brothers, Daniel W. McCall and Michael C. McCall. She is also survived by a wide and devoted circle of friends whose lives she touched in ways too numerous to count. She was preceded in death by father and mother, Fred S. McCall and Marion McCall.

Shirley's greatest love story began in high school, where she met Norman who would become her partner in life for 65 years. They were married on October 28,1960, and together they built a home filled with warmth, laughter, and an enduring devotion to one another and their family.

A Life of Faith and Service

Norman and Shirley first joined West End Assembly of God (WEAG) in the 1970's, and it quickly became the center of their spiritual and community life.

Shirley dove wholeheartedly into the music and fine arts department, eventually rising to serve as artistic director for the church's renowned Master's Plan and Glorious Christmas Nights productions.

The scope of her contribution was extraordinary - she painted elaborate sets, developed and led a cherished painting team, and in the early production years also designed and created the costumes. Among the costumes that delighted audiences were a stage full of Dickens characters, Mother Goose figures, and an array of mascot-style animals including pigs, mice, Raggedy Ann dolls, and other fantastic characters.

One of her most celebrated works came to life during an Easter concert, where Shirley and her team created a live painting of Jesus on the cross. Other sets for productions including Santa's Village, A Storybook Christmas, Downtown Richmond Landmarks, and No Man's Land remain among the most cherished in the church's memory. Shirley also performed in the productions for many years, including some memorable dancing.

Beyond the stage, Shirley served faithfully in the WEAG sanctuary choir alongside Norman. She eventually served over 20 years as administrative assistant to Bob Laughlin, Minister of Music and Fine Arts, organizing choir trips locally, nationally, and internationally, including to both Slovakia and India.

Her heart for service extended far beyond the walls of her church. Shirley answered the call to go wherever she was needed, embarking on mission trips to Guatemala, Germany, Kenya, Dominica, Slovakia, and India; as well as helping to found the River of Life Church. In each place, she carried with her the same quiet generosity and genuine love for others that defined her entire life.

Having been called to a new church life at The Chapel, Shirley continued her ministry in singing, artistry, and mentoring. Those who have spent any measure of time with Shirley, including the women in her longstanding Bible study and prayer group, knew a side of her that was simply irreplaceable - equal parts warmth, humor, presence, and deep caring. She was, in every sense, the kind of person who made ordinary moments feel like gifts. She never sought recognition for those gifts, yet the beauty she created spoke for itself, and lives on in the memories of all who witnessed it.

A celebration of Shirley's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February, 25, 2026 at The Chapel, located at 3505 Old Hundred Road S, Midlothian, VA 23112.