Mary Long

Mary Ann Long was born June 15, 1948, to the union of Junior and Juanita Jackson in Bessemer, Alabama. She was the second oldest child (and oldest twin) of six children.

From a young age, Mary demonstrated her unwavering faith, accepting Christ as her personal Savior and being baptized at Ebenezer Baptist Church under the pastorate of Reverand Glover. Her commitment to her spiritual journey led her to join the Greater Fourteenth Street Baptist Church in Bessemer, Alabama.

Mary's dedication extended beyond her faith. She was a product of the Bessemer Public School System, Carver High School Class of 1966. Later, she served two years in the United States Job Corps in West Virginia. Returning to her hometown, she became a dedicated employee at Baptist Medical Center working over 35 years before retiring.

Mary Long departed this life surrounded by family on Thursday, May 9, 2024, in Birmingham, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her father, Junior Jackson; mother, Juanita Jackson; brother, Julious Jackson; and sister-in-love, Sandra Moore.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memories: two children, James Lockett (Jacqueline Cohill) and Yvette Tillman (Rep. Ontario J.); two grandchildren, Raheem Long (Anna) and Ariya Windsor; three great grandchildren, La Tonio Lockett, Asher Long, and Lotus Long; four sisters, Johnnie Mae Shears, Barbara "Twin" Christian, Saidee Jackson, and Valerie Jackson; one brother, Phillip Jackson (Cassandra); three sisters-in-love, Bobbie "Carter" Davis, Georgia Mae Jackson, and Patricia Strait; along with a host of nieces, nephews other close relatives, and friends.