Shirley May Long, age 87, was called to be with her Lord, passing peacefully at her home in Edmond, Oklahoma on August 14th, 2026.

Shirley was born August 23rd, 1938, in Chandler, Oklahoma to Geraldine I. (Telford) and Clifford B. Clarkson, who proceeded her in death. She spent her formative years growing up in Chandler, where she was involved in as many school clubs and activities as possible, including basketball where she was bestowed the nickname “Flash” due to her quickness and for her ability to outrun the boys in a foot race. Those years were happily reminisced annually at Chandler High School class reunions with her school classmates who remained her life-long friends. She worked at the local abstract company and later in the Lincoln County Court Clerk’s office where she met a young attorney from the neighboring town of Stroud, William Earl Long Sr. (Bill). In 1958, Bill pleaded, won his case and she married the love of her life. Their son Chip was born a couple of years later followed by daughter Geri. The couple moved to Oklahoma City in 1962 making the metro home for the remainder of their respective lives. Bill passed away in 1988, and Shirley never remarried, carrying the love of their 30-year marriage in her heart for the rest of her life. The focal point of her life was always her love for God and family. She was actively engaged in her children’s activities; never missed a game or a performance, and this was no different when it came to her grandchildren and great granddaughters.

Shirley served as office secretary and several other roles throughout her earlier church life. For years, she was a faithful volunteer at Baptist (Integris) Hospital, later working in the oil and gas industry before becoming a full-time “Mimi,” her best and most cherished title. This is where she exhibited her finest work and never regretted a minute of taking care of her grandchildren, nurturing and tutoring each one, and continually beating them at Jeopardy. Naturally athletic and always a sports fan, she never missed an opportunity to watch her beloved Oklahoma Sooners no matter the sport; however, nothing inspired her enthusiasm more than rooting for her grandchildren. Passionately cheering, Shirley was always the most spirited, animated, and die-hard devoted fan in the crowd.

Shirley was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, and sister Margaret Faye Percefull and infant brother Ralph Clarkson. She is survived by her son, William Earl Long, Jr.; Janet A. Long; and their children; William Earl Long, III, fiancée Caroline Grace Estes; Kathryn Anne Reta (Long), husband Joseph Michael Reta and their children Adeline Anne Reta and her namesake, Rosemary May Reta. She is also survived by her daughter, Geri Susan Mentzer (Long), son-in-law William D. Mentzer; their daughter Megan Marie Mentzer, wife Chinyere Maria Neal.

Her family wishes to acknowledge her long-time friend Judy Mascho, they remained inseparable best friends from their first day of first grade until Judy’s passing at the end of last year, along with her very close friends Verda McDonald, Mary Trent and a host of others.

Her family especially thanks Quail Springs Baptist Church, her church home for the past 33 years, where a private memorial service will be held for the family on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026, for a faith-filled life well lived celebrated by Senior Adult Pastor Wade Crews, our mother’s favorite, who gives tirelessly to their senior community and her Deacon Craig Davis.

Shirley’s family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to her daughter Geri Mentzer’s team who will be participating in the OKC Walk to End Alzheimer’s through the Alzheimer’s Association. 100% of any donations will be given to the Alzheimer’s Association. Donations can be made at the following links:

Geri Mentzers Walk to End Alzheimer's Page. https://act.alz.org/site/TR?fr_id=19860&pg=personal&px=24436881