Mother Barbara Long Obituary (1931

Mother Barbara J. Long went home to be with the Lord August 8, 2021. Barbara Jean (Page) Long was born in West Des Moines Valley Junction”, to Alonzo William Page and Jencie Mae (Reeves) Page. She was educated in the West Des Moines Public Schools where she graduated from Valley High School. She furthered her education by attending Des Moines Area Community College, Drake University and Simpson College. She pursued degrees in psychology and social services to better serve her community. Barbara wore many hats and served in many capacities during her life time. She was a committed community activist. Barbara served as the Director of Human services for the City of West Des Moines; Director of the West Des Moines Church Outreach Group; served in the Valley Junction Residents Association, was the West Des Moines School Districts Citizen of the year and the Valley Junction Historian. At risk youth were a special concern for her. Barbara served on the Youth Justice Initiative as a champion of job training and tutoring for young people. All the while taking in kids that needed a place to sleep or encouragement to build a solid future. It wasnt like Barbara didnt have anything to do. In 1951, Barbara married Johnny “Junebug” Long, Jr. and began to raise her own family. She had 6 children of her own and was Mother to the rest of the neighborhood children. She married a man that was passionate about service to his community and together they helped to found, fund and operate the Eddie Davis Community Center. Barbara served as Program Coordinator and on the Board of Directors for the Center for many years. At any given time you could find her there cleaning, cooking free meals, passing out clothes and helping with the children. Barbara was also active in her church. For many years she attended MountHebron Baptist Church serving on the Usher Board for over forty years and on the Mothers Board. She later joined Valley Community Church under her son, Stephens pastorage. On Sunday, August 8th, 2021, God called Barbaras name. She answered Him and left this world of care behind. What a reunion that must have been. Her husband of almost 60 years, Johnny, was waiting to welcome her. She finally got to hug her son, Darrell and her parents, Alonzo and Jencie, were waiting for her, too. She was also greeted by her sisters, Dorothy Hawkins and Geraldine Page and daughter , Julia Page Barbara leaves to cherish her memory, her children, Jerry Page, Greg Long, Sr., Reverend Stephen (Pamela) Long, Dr. Vicki Long Hill, Evangelist Valerie (Gerald) James, Rachelle Long, Margaret Long and Johnnetta Long, her sisters, Shirley Ramirez, Deborah Page and Shelia (Wally) Pedigo; 30+ grandchildren, more than 90 great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and a host of adopted children, extended family and many friends that honor her as “Queen Barbie” Visitation (with family present) Friday, August 13, 2021 5:00 - 8:00pm Faith Tabernacle Church of God In Christ Homegoing Celebration Saturday, August 14, 2021 Starts at 11:00am Cornerstone Family Church