Betty Crosby Long, 79, died peacefully surrounded by loving family on January 3, 2018 after a struggle with pneumonia. Betty was born April 26, 1938 in Columbia, South Carolina, the daughter of John E. and Aleen H. Crosby.

Betty is survived by her brother John E. Crosby Jr., sister Pamela S. Crosby, four sons John H. Jacobs, David E. Jacobs, Robert L. Long Jr., Thomas M. Long, and preceded in death by brother Michael W. Crosby. She was the grandmother to six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Betty’s love for family and friends was above all her greatest passion as evidenced throughout life by her generous nature. Nearing the end her main concern was still assuring that all loved ones received a Christmas gift from her. The many wonderful people she loved were always on her mind and Christmas was a special time of year to Betty. Giving was at the core of her nature and red was her favorite color. There was never a shortage of Christmas decorations and knick knacks spilling from Betty’s home each year as she went above and beyond to celebrate and give to the people she loved so deeply.

To her family Betty was a center, the motherly spirit all families need as a central point and source from which endless love flows. Although, she loved to jokingly remind her young sons friend’s that her home was “not a community center.” However, Betty’s home was a community center. Being the mother of four boys growing up she welcomed their friends at all times and her kitchen was always open. Her friends and family all knew her in this way, she lived to give. Betty is and will forever remain a source of great love and cherished memories to many.

Betty was blessed with something more special than just a gift of gab and her early career began in the music industry selling records as a distribution representative. She was a natural in sales as Betty lived to strike up conversation with people and hear their story. She dedicated most of her life and generosity to being a devoted mother to her four sons. When her children were raised Betty returned to work and spent many years in customer service for the Boy Scouts of America and the Sea Trail golf resort in Sunset Beach. Betty loved dearly the Brunswick county beaches and enjoyed most of retirement living in her beach house on Anson street in Ocean Isle Beach, NC with her dog Buttons. All who knew Betty understand she lived to take time and truly listen to and learn about people. She was always eager to hear what you had to say and remember every last detail, while offering a taste of her classic Southern lady wisdom.

In life Betty had many dear friends and people who were there for her just as much as she was there for us. Her family would like to thank you all for being there for her over the years, especially in these recent difficult months. Betty was very aware until her final moments that her life was full of people who loved and cared for her well being and happiness. Listing all of Betty Long’s friends who loved her would require a book. There are some very special ladies close to Betty and they are in the family’s heart as we all grieve but live to celebrate her life. Betty has returned home and will forever be in our hearts and minds. Thank you for any part you may have had in her life, Betty loves you all.

Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM preceded with visitation at 10:00 AM on January 11, 2018 at Brunswick Funeral Service, 5229 Ocean Highway, Shallotte, NC 28470. In lieu of flowers please donate to your preferred and trusted charitable organization. Betty had a special place in her heart for sufferers of Alzheimer’s and Cancer.