Jeanette Long, 94, of Huntsville, passed away Sunday. Jeanette was born in Piedmont, Alabama. She and her husband of 60 years, Arnold, moved 21 times (including assignments in England, Italy, and Germany) during his 30-year career in the U.S. Army before retiring in Huntsville. She would always tell everyone that England was her favorite of all the places she lived before moving to Huntsville. She loved their life in the military but was happy to finally call Huntsville her home in 1971. As she aged, she was fortunate to be able to live at home and had the constant support of her daughter, Kay, who was her companion and caregiver.
Jeanette was a very talented seamstress/quilter, decorator, gardener and the best ever cook. Her family was the love of her life, but her backyard was a close second, and she would work hours and hours creating flower beds with year-round color. She was a Master Gardner and loved trips to and classes at the Huntsville Botanical Gardens. Her many sewing creations over the years are cherished by her family. Those who knew her were always fascinated by her beautiful magical Christmas village displays that she created every year for the holidays. She loved to entertain friends and neighbors with coffees and always had delicious homemade treats for everyone to enjoy. Even though she always kept busy with her activities, she and Arnold were very involved daily with their grandchildren and loved being a part of and an inspiration to their lives. They were her pride and joy. She always told them to be honest, be a friend to all, and to work hard.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold, her two sisters, Wynette (her twin) and Carole, and her grandson, Andrew Long. Survivors include her children, Janet Kiessling (Ed) of Huntsville, Kay Long of Huntsville, and Bruce Long (Anne) of Vestavia Hills, AL; her grandchildren, Dr. Jennifer Kiessling of Huntsville, Dr. Julie Calderwood (Matt) of Huntsville, Eddie Kiessling of Huntsville, Sarah Long of Vestavia Hills, and Katie Long of Vestavia Hills; great-grandchildren, Caroline and Claire Calderwood of Huntsville; brother-in-law Ray Ragan of Piedmont; and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at 2:30 p.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Huntsville Botanical Gardens, 4747 Bob Wallace Avenue, Huntsville, AL 35805.
