Chesapeake-Mrs. Lena Lorine Long answered God’s call to eternal rest on Tuesday; May 12, 2026, at home surrounded by her loved ones. She was one of three children born to the late William Henry Cole and Joyce Ann Taylor on September 11, 1949 in Littleton, NC.

Lena graduated from Mc Iver High School in NC where she sang in the school choir. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior in her life at an early age at South Street Baptist Church in Littleton, NC. She moved to Norfolk VA in 1967. It was also in Norfolk VA that she met and married Herbert Long Jr in 1969.

Mrs. Long became a member of St. Joseph A.M.E.Z. church in 1970. She joined the Senior and Gospel Choirs, led the Children’s Choir, and taught Sunday School. Lena also served on the Deaconess Board and was a Class Leader. Her greatest joy was her steadfast love for God. She knew the power of prayer and prayed not only for herself, but others as well. She loved listening to gospel music and working with the children’s ministry. She worked as a substitute teacher and a monitor for the GED program in the City of Chesapeake. 

Lena’s hobbies were sewing and gardening. Lena favorite bible verses were Psalm 48:1-2 and Matthew 6:9-13 The Lord’s Prayer. Her favorite song was “How Great Thou Art and Great is the Lord.” She faithfully served God and her church community.

Her spirit lives today and forevermore in the hearts and minds of her beloved husband, Herbert Long, Jr.; her brother, William Cole of North Carolina; her sister, Wanda Coleman of North Carolina; three beautiful daughters: Monita Long-Smith of Norfolk, VA, Crystal Dowell and Vanessa Whitenight both of Chesapeake, VA; 5 grandchildren: Imani, Emmanuel, Isaiah, Zymirah and India; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A funeral services will be held at 10am Thursday; May 21, 2026 at St. Joseph AME Zion Church; 1540 Atlantic Avenue; Chesapeake, VA, with Rev. Kevin Knight officiating. Burial will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park, Chesapeake, VA. Viewing will be 4-6pm Wednesday; May 20, 2026 at Fitchett-Mann Funeral Services; 1821 E. Liberty Street; Chesapeake, VA.