"I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die."  John 11:25-26

Melinda Kay Whitman Long lived her entire life believing in Jesus and longing to see Him face-to-face.  The legacy she leaves is one of unwavering faith in Christ, eternal hope, love for people and passion for God's Word.

Melinda Long was born October 11, 1947 in Phenix City, Alabama.  She was the youngest of three children born to the late M.W. Whitman Sr. and Lorene Wade Whitman.  Her adolescent years were spent attending Central High School where she graduated in 1965.  Soon after, she began working as a clerical assistant on the army base at Ft. Benning, Georgia.  She was raised in a Christian home where she regularly attended Sunday School and church.

Melinda married Marshall Long on April 6, 1968 and they were blessed to spend 53 precious years together.  The couple built a home just off of Auburn Road in Phenix City where they remained for 37 years.  During that time, they raised one child, Holly, to also know and love Jesus.  In 1999, Melinda became a grandmother for the first time, then again in 2002, 2003, and 2005.  Her grandchildren were the absolute joys of her life, and she was as priceless to them as they were to her.  A day never went by that she didn't think about, pray for, or talk to either Holly or one of her grandbabies.  The lives of her family were impacted tremendously by her fervent prayers on their behalf.

Melinda's entire life was spent in service to Christ through her work on behalf of her church as well as her family.  She served as both the church secretary and the pianist at North Phenix Baptist Church where she and Marshall were members for 31 years.  When Marshall retired in 2005, they relocated to Clermont, FL to be near Holly and the kids where she served on the counting committee, in Vacation Bible School, and in the choir at First Baptist Clermont for 16 years.  She gave faithfully to the work of the gospel her entire life looking toward the prize for which God has now called her homeward.

On August 13, 2021, Melinda was diagnosed with Covid-19 and hospitalized.  A couple of weeks later, her lungs just could no longer fight the virus and as she chose not to be ventilated, she went to be with her Savior on August 26, 2021.  She is resting in the loving arms of Jesus and she can now breathe with ease and comfort.  The miracle for which her child prayed was fulfilled and she is now whole, complete and perfect.  During her life, she fought the good fight, finished her race and kept the faith.  No doubt the first words she heard as she passed over were, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Melinda was preceded in death by her brothers M.W. Whitman Jr. and Gerald Whitman, and is survived by her husband, Marshall E Long Jr., child Holly L Smith, and grandchildren Zachary Whitman, Zoe Elizabeth, Zara Kathryn, and Zander Caleb Smith, as well as a host of faithful friends.  A celebration of life service is planned at First Baptist Church, Clermont, FL at 2:00 pm on September 26, 2021, address 2751 Hartwood Marsh Rd., Clermont, FL  34711.  Reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, a contribution to First Baptist Clermont for a Memorial Garden set up to honor victims of Covid-19 would be greatly appreciated.

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servants."  Psalm 116:15