The Life and Legacy of Mother Ruth Dolberry Long, 81

A private viewing will be held at the funeral parlor for the CHILDREN ONLY on Tuesday, March 24th at 3:00 O'Clock In The Afternoon

Mother Ruth will repose for viewing  Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 10:00 In The Morning at Twlight Missionary Baptist Church, Weldon, NC.

A Celebration of Life will begin at 11:00 In The Morning following the viewing with Rev. Danny Jones, pastor delivering the eulogy.

Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Those that are going to drive in the funeral processional to the church with the family--the line-up will be at 161 Pittsylvania Street, Halifax, NC--leaving at 10:15 AM headed to the church

Ruth Edna Dolberry Long, 81, transitioned to her heavenly home on March 17, 2026, at ECU Health North Hospital in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, surrounded by her family who loved and adored her.

She was the 11th of 15 children born to the late Eddie Lee Dolberry and Callie Hyman Dolberry on April 19, 1944, in Halifax County, North Carolina. She received her education from Ralph J. Bunche School in Weldon, North Carolina. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her personal Savior and joined Twilight Missionary Baptist Church. There, she met her late husband, Otis Lee Long, Sr., whom she married on September 15, 1961. From this union came four daughters and one son, nine grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.

Ruth led her life with love, faith, quiet strength, and grace, values that were evident in everything she did. She was a loving and caring woman whose greatest joy was her family. Whether gathered with her siblings or surrounded by her children and grandchildren, her presence brought warmth, laughter, and a smile that could light up any room. She had a special gift for making everyone feel seen and valued, and her hugs provided a sense of comfort and safety that will never be forgotten.

She found joy in the simple and meaningful moments, playing cards with her children, siblings, nieces, and nephews, sharing laughter with loved ones, and ending every conversation with her signature words, "love you bae." Ruth also expressed her love through cooking, becoming well known for her pineapple cake, potato salad, and sweet potato pie, especially during the holiday season. The soundtrack of her life was filled with the sounds of gospel music, especially quartet groups, that reflected her spirit and her faith.

In some of her final moments, she reminded those around her to love one another, be patient, and extend grace. Though her passing leaves a void that can never be filled, the love she shared, the sound of her voice, and her kind spirit will forever remain in our hearts.

She leaves behind to cherish Her memories; Her son: Otis Long Jr. and  wife Valencia of Woodbridge, VA; Her daughters: Vanessa Gatling  and husband Wardell Sr. of Ahoskie, NC, Deborah Flanagan of Hampton, VA, Phyllis L. Holmes of Rocky Mount, NC, and Vickie Hausey and husband Jimmie of Hampton, VA; Her brother: Holton Dolberry of Roanoke Rapids, NC; and Her sisters: Shirley Crumble and Christine Johnson, both of Newport News, VA, Joyce Kearney of Halifax, NC, and Patricia Lewis and husband Eddie of Roanoke Rapids, NC. She also leaves her loving grandchildren: Shamica Long-Lane and husband Vincent of Chester, VA, Michael Askew and wife Courtney of Washington, DC, Wardell Gatling Jr. and wife Fatima of Fairfax, VA, Tyler Williams of Hampton, VA, Marcus Holmes of Rocky Mount, NC, Otis Long III of Dale City, VA, Jasmine and Ashley Gatling of Raleigh, NC, and Destiny Flanagan of Richmond, VA; seven great-grandchildren, Cameron Long of Chester, VA, Amina Stewart of Newport News, VA, Wynter Askew of Washington, DC, and Faith, Maya, Gianna, and Wardell Gatling III of Fairfax,VA; along with a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.

Alongside Her husband: Otis Lee Long Sr., and Her parents, Eddie Lee and Callie Dolberry, She now joins her siblings: James Dolberry, Evelina Debrew, Eddie Lee Dolberry Jr., Jessie Mae Worsley, Hazel Everett, Harvey Dolberry, William Dolberry, Doris Harrison, and Mary Dorsey in the safety of the Lord's arms.

We give thanks for her life and a legacy rooted in love and faith. Though we mourn her absence, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life, trusting that Ruth now rests peacefully in the presence of the Lord. Well done, thy good and faithful servant.

Mother Ruth legacy lives and she rests in the comfort of Coleman-McGee Funeral Home & Staff...Thoughtful Professional Services Within The Means Of All...Because WE Care...