Phyllis Long, 87
Funeral services for Phyllis Long, 87, of West Plains, were held Feb. 10, 2024, at Mammoth Assembly of God Church with Gale Wooten officiating. Burial was at Mammoth Cemetery.
She died Feb. 6. During her 87 years on this earth, Phyllis touched countless lives with her kindness, her compassion and her faith. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth, selflessness and an unwavering love for her family.
Phyllis was born on Oct. 4, 1936, in Mammoth to Mack and Eunice Anderson. She attended a one-room school in Mammoth with her four brothers followed by her attendance at Gainesville High School. Phyllis learned a lot about life in that one room school: lessons about how to be thoughtful, playful and kind. Those lessons shaped her life.
On June 22, 1954, Phyllis married the love of her life, Sie Long. Together they created a life full of happiness as they navigated 58 years of marriage. Phyllis devoted her life to her husband and her family. Her nurturing spirit and love created a haven where everyone felt welcomed. Phyllis was a fabulous cook and she loved hosting family dinners and holidays. The Long home always had an open door and plenty of food prepared, just in case any visitors would stop by the house. She fed what she loved. Phyllis taught her family to be generous and welcoming and that part of her will live on through her daughters.
Phyllis was a self-taught piano player. To say she was musically talented is a total understatement. She could play any song by ear and harmonize like an angel. When the girls were younger, Phyllis and Sie taught their daughters how to sing harmony. This often took place during car rides in an effort to pass the time. As an act of service, Phyllis played the piano at church from the time she was a young girl until she lost the use of her left hand, as a result of a stroke in 2015. Service to others was a big part of Phyllis’ identity. She was a prayer warrior and a woman of faith. Phyllis shared what she loved and those around her loved what she shared.
Phyllis was an avid sports fan and the greatest cheerleader for her kids and grandkids. She was known to be a bit feisty to the officials from time to time. This was often a surprise to others in the stands, as she typically wasn’t the type of person to be loud or sharp in any way. Her mischievousness was most evident at sporting events. Phyllis was a St. Louis Cardinals enthusiast and faithfully supported them no matter how good or bad the team was year to year. Phyllis liked competition and enjoyed playing the family favorite, Wahoo. When asked if she wanted to play, she would often quip back, “Do you want to get beat?” Although she was being playful and engaging when she asked it, those who faced her could rest assured she still wanted to win.
She was an amazing woman and was the glue of the family, teaching them about love, faith, resilience, commitment, honor, humor, humility and strength. She taught them all those things not by mere words but by how she lived her life. As a tribute to their sweet mother, her daughters have vowed to let the best parts of to her live on through them and their children. They are grateful to their mother for being the best example that they could ever hope for in this life.
Phyllis is survived by four daughters: Kimberly Sinor, Dana Headrick and husband Jeff, Rhonda Wright and husband Mark and Trichia Long and wife Emilie; 11 grandchildren: Valerie, Steven, Bethany, Verline, Danny, Tyler, Clay, Chance, Colton, Amber and Dustin; 23 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and one brother, JR Anderson and wife Sandra.
Phyllis was preceded in death by her husband, Sie Long; one daughter, Marchetta Sue Long; parents Eunice and Mack Anderson; three brothers: Jerel Mack, Berman and Frank; and one son-in-law, Steve Sinor.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mammoth Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville.