Shirley Mitchell Long, 93, of Rockingham, passed away Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 at St. Joseph of the Pines.
She was born July 18, 1933 to the late Clarence and Josephine Searle.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford Long; and two of her children, Debrah Dillard and Brian Mitchell.
Shirley was a generous soul who loved doing for and giving back to others. She spent her career as an LPN for the public school system, caring for students with her compassionate nature. After retirement, Shirley devoted her time to volunteering at her church, helping in any way she could. She especially enjoyed visiting the sick and taking communion to the home-bound who were unable to attend services. Shirley treasured her time with her church family, and after moving to North Carolina, she was a proud member of St. James Catholic Church and its congregation.
Most of all, Shirley loved her family and close friends. She valued the moments spent with them and cared for them deeply. She was a role model and mentor whose kindness and generosity made a difference to everyone who knew her. Shirley will be dearly missed, but the legacy of her loving attitude and caring nature remains.
Left to cherish Shirley’s memory are her daughters, Victoria Diamond (Harold) and Constance Pearson (Harold); stepchildren, Judith Certa (James), Garry Long (Maureen) and Patricia Winkler (Rick); grandchildren, Spencer Mitchell, Lesley Parham, Tracy Dyal, Michael Certa, Colleen Clark, Brian Long, Patrick Long, Christen Arrendale and Michelle Concepcion; and many great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life to honor Shirley will be held on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. at St. James Catholic Church in Hamlet. The family will receive friends after the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Shirley’s honor can be made to St. James Catholic Church.
Online memorials and tributes can be made at watson-kingfuneralhome.com. Watson-King Funeral Home in Rockingham is assisting the Long family.
