Delours Aldeen Sherwood Long, a resident of Dexter, was born on February 22, 1914 in Gray Ridge, Missouri to the late John Sherwood and Mary Louella Renfro Sherwood and departed this life on May 13, 2011, in Dexter, MO., at the age of 97 years, two months, and 13 days.

On December 24, 1932, she was united in marriage to the late Russell E. Long in Buffington, MO. Mr. Long preceded her in death on November 21, 1963. Mrs. Long was a life long member of the Gray Ridge General Baptist Church and the oldest member of her church at the time of her passing. She loved her family, church family and many friends. Mrs. Long was a beautiful Christian lady, a good wife, wonderful Mother, loving Grandmother and enjoyed many activities over her long and blessed life. Some included helping with church plays, choir and Vacation Bible School, making ceramics, quilts, cooking her famous chicken and dressing, hot rolls, coconut pies, angel food cakes and working in her yard. She also loved doing laundry and ironing clothes.

She is survived by three children: Evelyn Locke and husband Charles of Poplar Bluff; James Long and wife Joyce of Dexter; and Linda Collier and husband Michael Gaylord, of Dexter. Other survivors include nine grandchildren: Brad Locke and wife Rebecca, of Tomball, TX; Blake Locke of Houston, TX; Beth Foust and husband Paul of St. Charles, MO; James Long, Jr., and wife Liz of Oak Ridge, MO; Kristi Williams and husband Michael of Dexter, MO; Dara Snider Kotzbauer and husband Garry of Norman, OK and Carol Long, Mother of Jim, Jr., Kristi and Dara; Jerry Collier and wife Pamela of Dexter, MO; Russ Collier and wife Suzanne of Dexter, MO; Shannon Collier and wife Candy of Dexter, MO. and by fourteen great-grandchildren: Amy and Allie Locke of Houston, TX; Caroline and Rebecca Foust, St. Charles, MO; Sarah Long Sparks and husband Jamie of San Diego, CA; Rachel Long of Minot, ND; Jacob Williams of Dexter, MO; Luke Snider and wife Keeli of Englewood, OH; Chelsey Snider Seiter, Rebecca Collier, Alex Collier, Morgan Collier, Garrison Collier and Ryan Collier, all of Dexter, MO; and by four great-great grandchildren: Layla and Collin Snider of Englewood, OH; Aubrey Jade Seiter and Brenner Gaylan Collier of Dexter. Also survived by her niece Joyce Barney and husband John of St. Louis; her nephew Russell Davis and wife Johnnie of Gray Ridge; other nephews Eldon and David Thorne and Alan and Gary Long; and sister-in-law Electa Kay Long of Sikeston, MO, other family members and many friends.

Besides her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by three sisters: Geogia Sherwood, Cora Sherwood, and Ruby Sherwood Moore; one brother Charles Edward Sherwood, and one son-in-law Gaylan Collier.

A very special thanks is extended to faithful caregivers: Sue McMunn, Becky Almond, Mary Rodgers, Patty Britt, Amber Davis, Andrea Robinett, Brooke Britt, Henny Baisden, Mary Bailey, Cinthia Owens, Sandy Dillinger and Legacy Hospice staff for their kind, compassionate and loving care.

Visitation will be held at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Sunday, May 15th beginning at 12;30 pm. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 2 p.m. at the Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Russell, Rev. Mike Coleman, and Dr. Steve Easterwood officiating. Interment will follow in the Dexter Cemetery.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Gray Ridge General Baptist Church, Stoddard County Children’s Home and 18 Fore Life.