Catherine "Joyce" Neal Long

Mrs. Catherine "Joyce" Neal Long, age 89, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2025.

Mrs. Long was born October 12, 1935, in Blue Ridge, Georgia, daughter of the late Thomas Neal and Ethyl Stanley Neal. 

Mrs. Long was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She loved country living and spending time outdoors, especially camping and enjoying the beauty of nature. She also had a green thumb and loved working in her garden and canning her harvest to share with loved ones. She enjoyed visiting casinos, where she had many fun moments with friends. Above all, Mrs. Long loved her family and was a continuous source of encouragement and support whenever they needed her. 

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Long is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Lee Roy Long; step-mother, Bertha Neal; son and daughter-in-law, Gary and Mary Long; and sister, Callie-Jean Haney. 

Mrs. Long is survived by her daughter, Tommie Earwood and her husband, Lamar; son, Arnold Long; grandchildren, Jarrett Long (Jamie), Brittany Long, Callie Haney (JR), Alana Cruz (Erick), Gage Earwood (Hope), Blake Earwood (Kaylee), and Bradley Green (Morgan); twenty three great grandchildren; brother, Phillip Neal; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

Graveside services to celebrate her life will be held Friday, February 28, 2025, at 1:00 PM, at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 2950 Cobb Parkway, North, Kennesaw, Georgia, 30152, where family members will share memories. 

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Gage Earwood, Blake Earwood, Erick Cruz, Jarrett Long, Brandon Earwood, and Gavin Cruz. 

Mrs. Long's family will receive friends, Thursday evening, February 27, 2025, from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, at Smith & Miller Funeral Home. 

The Smith & Miller Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Catherine "Joyce" Neal Long.