MILDRED BEDFORD EDMUNDS LONG

August 15, 1926 – January 17, 2026

Mildred Bedford Edmunds Long was born in Lynchburg, VA. She was the daughter of James Easley Edmunds and Bertha Dingee Edmunds and was raised in Lynchburg, where her faith was formed early and remained a steady foundation throughout her life. She graduated from Mount Holyoke College in South Hadley, MA.

Mildred married William Gray Long of “Longview,” Garysburg, NC in 1952. Bill was the love of her life, and they shared a devoted marriage until his death in 2020. While they lived in Weldon with their six daughters in the 1960s, she spent almost six decades of life at Longview, their beloved family farm.  

In their retirement they explored the country in their RV, lovingly named “Long Gone.” Many of their favorite trips followed the familiar path of I-95 from Maine all the way to the Florida Keys.

Mildred loved helping her community and serving others. For many years, she was active at All Saints Episcopal Church in Roanoke Rapids, NC, and participated in Church Women United, where she served as Chairman of the Crop Walk. 

With six daughters, Mildred was fully immersed in Girl Scouts at both the local and state levels, giving her time and energy to support generations of girls.  

For more than a decade she was a devoted member of The Church of the Resurrection in Emporia, Virginia, where she cherished her church family and remained involved in the life of the congregation.

Mildred is survived by her six daughters: Terry Long of Richmond, VA;  Mildred Long Hurley (Matt) of Grosse Pointe, MI; Caroline Moncure Long of Garysburg, NC; Jane Easley Long Brown (Joe) of Garysburg, NC; Betty Mason Long Martin (Tony) of Jackson, NC; and Stockton “Duna” Long of Garysburg, NC.

She is also survived by her ten grandchildren: Sally Gray Heekin (Joe); Anne Mason Colman (Jon); Easley Brown Schack (Ben); Caroline Brown Wicker (Lee); Stockton Brown Altman (Will); William Gray Martin (Paige); Margaret Louise Martin Mollo (Vincent); Mason Long Martin (Emily); Charles Reed Dickinson, Jr. and William Stockton Dickinson.

Her seven great-grandchildren who lovingly knew her as “Woo Hoo” are: Isaiah Schack, Ruth Schack, Jeremiah Schack, Wells Colman, Grace Wicker, Jane Wicker, and Millie Altman.

Wrenn Funeral Home is handling the arrangements, and the funeral service will be held at Garysburg United Methodist Church, 303 Old Highway Road, Garysburg at 1pm on Friday, January 23rd with burial to follow in the church cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Church of the Resurrection, 604 Brunswick Avenue, Emporia, VA 23847