Time For Memory

Betty Ann Worley Long

1932 - 2009

A lifelong resident and leader of Silsbee will be greatly missed with the passing of Betty Ann Long on Thursday, September 3, 2009.

She was born on June 3, 1932 and grew up in the close-knit community of Silsbee, surrounded by loving and caring family and friends. After graduating from Silsbee High School, she attended Hockaday in Dallas and received a business degree from SMU where she was affiliated with Alpha Delta Pi sorority.

Upon returning to Silsbee, Betty Ann devoted her time and love to her children and to teaching business courses at Silsbee High School. Her excellent teaching skills brought many UIL trophies back to SHS. She trumpeted the virtues of her community and had a sustained interest in and displayed her leadership qualities in countless areas. She belonged to the United Methodist Church, the Economic Development board, Silsbee Country Club, Silsbee Woman's Club and more.

One of the most important organizations in her life was the Democratic Party. Betty Ann believed in the principles of the party and assumed leadership roles, including being named as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention.

Another area of sustained interest was the Silsbee Little Theater. Betty Ann was a charter member of the SLT Board of Directors and served as membership chairman for many years. It was largely through her efforts that the membership grew continuously.

Betty Ann was named Chairman of the Board of Directors of Silsbee State Bank, founded in 1906. She continued to keep firm fiscal control on the institution.

It should be noted that Betty Ann was an extraordinarily loyal and helpful friend and one who championed "the underdog". She had a wide and devoted circle of friends.

Betty Ann had many difficult challenges in her life, but she faced them with courage, tenacity and grace. That could also be said of the way she handled the illness which befell her and took her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Rex and Lee Beard Worley, her dear aunt and uncle, Mary and N. A. Cravens and her adored daughter Betty Ruth Mitchell.

Betty Ann is survived by her devoted and greatly loved husband, Nelson O. Long; her daughter Mary and her husband Jim Kirby and their children, Worley, Matt and Nate; her grandson Rex Mitchell and his daughter Mary Elizabeth. She is also survived by Nelson Edward Long, Vicki Butler and Cheryl McGallion and their children, Heath, Holley, Jessica, Matthew and Mason.

Betty Ann loved and embraced the joys of having a wonderful family.

Visitation will be Sunday from 5pm to 7pm at Farmer Funeral Home. Services will be held at 2pm Monday at First United Methodist Church in Silsbee.

Memorial contributions may be made to Silsbee Little Theater or the charity of one's choice.

There are currently 23 condolences.

Joyce Gould Tuesday September 8, 2009 at 1:34 PM
Betty Ann taught me shorthand in high school. Upon graduation she helped place me in a job in Beaumont, Texas working for Crawford & Co. I have never forgotten that. Her family is in my thoughts and prayer.

Carol Wiggins Hearn Monday September 7, 2009 at 2:37 PM
My thoughts and prayers are with Betty Ann's family. She will be missed!

Cathy Harvill cathy.netems@yahoo.com Monday September 7, 2009 at 1:31 AM
I am so sorry for your loss. I loved her too. She taught me in high school and was later my boss at Silsbee State Bank. I loved her and respected her very much. She will be greatly missed.

Adalaide Cash Balaban Sunday September 6, 2009 at 11:03 PM
Betty Ann, you will be greatly missed. Always generous,compassionate, and understanding. My sympathies to your many friends and family.

Janice Walker walk55@msn.com Sunday September 6, 2009 at 9:57 AM
Mary, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.

Bo & Alice Roy Sunday September 6, 2009 at 8:52 AM
Mrs. Betty was our teacher in High school (class of '67). She was always fair & since then she always knew both of us & would talk to us whereever we saw her.

Connie Martin Claus Sunday September 6, 2009 at 12:15 AM
She was my Shorthand teacher in High School. I admired her greatly. She was an inspiration to her students. I have thought of her often over the years. My prayers are with her family. I know she will be missed in the community, she touched so many lives. (Class of 1970).

HENRY AND SUZANNE BARFIELD barfieldre@yahoo.com Saturday September 5, 2009 at 3:09 PM
OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY.

Betty Graham Lewis sharron_s@hotmail.com Saturday September 5, 2009 at 3:06 PM
Silsbee has lost a giant. We will all miss her. I will miss our long talks. Our prayer for you is that you will see your loved one again on the other side. Keep holding on to the beautiful memories of her. We are praying God's blessings on your family.

Geneva Graham Price sharron_s@hotmail.com Saturday September 5, 2009 at 3:03 PM
Betty Ann was my dear friend. We will miss her dearly. Please know that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. We will continue to keep your entire family in our prayers.

Jim C. Willis jimcwillis@juno.com Saturday September 5, 2009 at 2:55 PM
I will miss our visits where Betty Ann, Nelson, and I solved the world problems. We laughed, got mad, and always looked forward to the next visit. North 4th will not ever be the same.

K Smith Saturday September 5, 2009 at 1:19 PM
I will never forget interviewing Betty Ann about her Christmas tree closet. She was so proud of all the ornaments for her children and grandchildren. She will be missed.

Maureen Winchell Saturday September 5, 2009 at 10:19 AM
I'll miss our Aunt Betty Ann. Maureen

Laura Eldredge Saturday September 5, 2009 at 9:07 AM
Hard to grasp a world without your mother, Mary. One of my favorite things ever was sharing a birthday with your sister - which were orchestrated by your mother. She has been with me always, we will all miss her.

Sammy & Vickie Stewart yellowrose@cmaaccess.com Saturday September 5, 2009 at 12:17 AM
Mary, Our faith tells us that God is showering his blessings on you at this very moment. The Bible says "Blessed are they that mourn for they shall be comforted." I pray that you will find peace and comfort in these words and that God will give you strength and courage. "A mother is with us always, first in her lifetime, then forever in our memory" God Bless You and your wonderful family

Jerry and Janis Holt Friday September 4, 2009 at 10:00 PM
Mary may you find strength in the Lord to see you through this difficult time. Your family is in our prayers.

Patsy Patterson Hatton Friday September 4, 2009 at 9:54 PM
Betty Ann was a classmate of mine. I am so very sorry for your loss and we will all share in that loss at our upcoming 60th class reunion.

Sue Parsons (Adams) Friday September 4, 2009 at 9:02 PM
Some of my best high school memories are of Betty Ann and Herman. This was during a magical time when teachers trusted their students to use their cars to pick up dry cleaning, mail packages, drop off groceries (from Slavik's), and carry Baby, Doll, and Hank to appointments. I remember Betty Ann as the best example of what a teacher can be and have used her as a model in my own teaching career. I shall miss her dry wit, her sense of integrity, her commitment to Democratic ideals, and her unwavering demand for protocol and etiquette (someone has to be the guardian of our culture.) Plus, she always had really cute shoes. Her death is a great loss.

Pat Richardson (Pantego, Texas) Friday September 4, 2009 at 7:59 PM
She wiil be missed by a community to which she was so loyal and caring.

Sharron Lewis Scott Friday September 4, 2009 at 1:19 PM
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Donald Dunbar ddunb6473@yahoo.com Friday September 4, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Mary, I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time.

Peggy Bradshaw Brown Friday September 4, 2009 at 11:53 AM
My deepest sympathy to the family. Betty Ann was a wonderful person and will be greatly missed.

Victores Family Friday September 4, 2009 at 9:59 AM
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

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