Barbara Jean Long

Barbara Jean Long was born November 6. 1944, in Springfield, Illinois. Shortly after, she relocated to Long Beach, California, where she attended Wilson High School. After high school, Barbara attended Cincinnati Bible College. Following her graduation, she began working as a reservation sales agent for Continental Airlines. Barbara’s belief in Jesus prompted her to church activities, as a way to show His love for others. It’s incredible how Barbara met her husband Gary of 53 years through a Christian dating service; while she was on his list, he wasn’t on hers. Gary always jokes that she was “geographically desirable.”

They were engaged just six weeks after meeting and married in Long Beach on July 3, 1970. Barbara passed away on November 13. 2023. She is survived by her loving husband Gary, her three children, David, Diana, Darla, daughter-in-law Beth, son-in-law Mike, grandchildren Brittany, Jeff, Madee, Hailey, Jacob, and Reagan, as well as her great-grandchildren Lily, Ashton, and Koa, her twin brother Bob, her three sisters Virginia, Donna and Mary, and of course all of her grand dogs.

Barbara’s service will be held on November 20, 2023, at Luyben Dilday Mortuary at 10:30 AM, followed by the graveside ceremony at Forest Lawn, Long Beach at 12:30 PM. Reception to follow.