Wanda Gayle Long

Wanda Gayle Long, 83, a resident of Cleveland, TN, passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, September 6, 2026, after a battle with cancer. She was born in Atlanta, GA, on November 13, 1942.

She was a faithful member of North Cleveland Church of God. She loved her Lord and Savior more than anything. She worked at Pathway Publishing House for over 50 years, retiring in 2017. She had many interests such as singing in the Crusader Choir, going on cruises with Sonshine Avenue, and cooking for her family.

Second only to her love for Jesus was her love for her family. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren every chance she could, including many trips to cabins in the mountains, playing games with all of her family, cooking, eating, and just all being together. She always wanted to have lots of family pictures taken, and she made photo albums/scrapbooks for each of her grandchildren to give them once they were grown.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Long; her parents, A.M. and Lois Phillips; her sister and brother-in-law, Cecil and Joyce Guiles; her father and mother-in-law, Rue and Minnie Long; her brothers-in-law, Joe, Benny, Bob, and Ronnie; her sisters-in-law, Shirley, Nancy, and Lorene "Belle" Samples; as well as a very special granddaughter, Carmen Long.

She is survived by her three sons, DeLane (Leigh Ann) Long of Dacula, GA; Delwyn (Debbie) Long of Cleveland, TN; Dacen (Stacy) Long of Sweetwater, TN; and daughter, Danitra (Nathan) Wallace of Cleveland, TN.

Twelve grandchildren: Nathan Long; Abigail (Ashton) Dunn; Brittni (Javier) Rodriguez; Michael Haught; Blake (Alicia) Haught; Amber Shelley; Heather (David) Pendergrass; Hannah (Lucas) Tilley; Hayley Long; Jessica (James) Nelms; Noah and Eli Wallace.

Twelve great-grandchildren: Alis, Alexia, and Eliana Rodriguez; Kaia and Kenai Pendergrass; Aubree, Raelynn, and Maddie Durgin; Wyatt Tilley; Carson and Ansley Haught; and Hattie Nelms.

Brothers-in-law, Larry Long and Jerry (Eileen) Long; sisters-in-law, Deane (Ronald) Lee and Diane Long; as well as several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at North Cleveland Church of God Dixon Chapel, with the celebration of life being held immediately following at 2:00 p.m. Rev. Kevin McGlamery will be officiating.

Pallbearers will be Nathan Long, James Nelms, Lucas Tilley, Ashton Dunn, Noah Wallace, and Eli Wallace.

A private interment for the family will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery following the celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to North Cleveland Church of God - NC Kids, 335 11th St NE, Cleveland, TN 37311.

Special thanks to Hospice of Chattanooga for taking such great care of our Mom.