Lois Long

Lois Guthrie Long, 80, of Hickory, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, on May 8, 2015 surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with breast cancer. Mrs. Long was born August 5, 1934, in Hickory, to the late James and Marylee Guthrie. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Carol Long Wolfe and husband Karl of Hickory; sister, Judy Huffman and husband David of Hickory; brother, Larry Guthrie of Edmond, OK; two granddaughters, Jennifer Wolfe and Kathryn Wolfe of Hickory; and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Long was a graduate of Claremont Central High School (Hickory High). Mrs. Long was a graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University with a degree in Mathematics. She received her Master?s degree in School Administration from Appalachian State University, as well as, an Education Specialist degree from Appalachian State University. Mrs. Long was a math teacher at Hickory High School for 14 years. She also taught math at Catawba Valley Community College and completed her teaching career as a mathematics professor at Lenoir-Rhyne University. Mrs. Long was characterized by her students as ?being the best math teacher they had ever had?. Mrs. Long instilled the love and understanding of math in thousands of students during her long teaching career. Mrs. Long was appointed by Governor Jim Hunt to write a new math textbook for the students of NC. She also assisted Governor Terry Sanford in the development of the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics which is located in Durham, NC. Mrs. Long worked several years at the company she co-owned, Long Communications, LLC which owns WHKY-TV and WHKY-AM. Mrs. Long was an active member and held several officer positions in the NCEA, the Hickory Junior Woman?s Club and the Hickory Senior Woman?s Club. Most recently she served as president of the Hickory chapter of AARP. Mrs. Long was a 60 year member of Corinth Reformed Church where she had served on Consistory, taught Sunday school, directed the primary choir, sang in the choir and was a member of the Frances Field Circle. Throughout her life, Mrs. Long supported multiple charities and non-profit organizations in the Hickory area. Mrs. Long is also survived by two estranged sons, Tom Long, Jr. of Hickory, and Jeff Long (Joyce) of Hickory; two estranged grandsons, Chris Long (Amanda) of Summerville, SC and Charles Long (Heather) of Charlotte, NC; five great- granddaughters, and one great grandson. A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, May 11, 2015 at Corinth Reformed Church in the main sanctuary at 4PM. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Hickory Landmarks Society, 542 2nd St. NE, Hickory, NC 28601. Please sign the online guestbook at www.Jenkinsfuneralhome.net. The Long family has entrusted arrangements to Jenkins Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Newton-#828-464-1555.