Helen Ray Long

Helen Ray Long, 95, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026, at Brookdale in Gastonia, with her loving family by her side.

She was born in Columbus County, North Carolina on December 20, 1930 to the late Hobart and Minnie Ray. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 75 years, Lloyd Layton Long; and her siblings, Geraldine Ward, Carleen Long, Tommy Ray, Hoover Ray, and Fay Sellers.

Helen was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church of Belmont. She built a business when most women didn’t work by establishing Nanette’s Beauty Shop in Belmont in the 50’s and was owner-operator for 40 years. Helen and her husband were always hard workers and came from nothing to build a successful middle-class life for their family. She really lived a wonderful life and built a beautiful home that was always the social center where she brought the neighborhood and family together. Helen was always extremely focused on her family and loved them most of all. She and her husband started antiquing after retirement and traveled and camped all over the United States.

She is survived by her children, Nanette Long, Lloyd Layton Long, Jr. (Jane); grandchildren, Kevin Austin Long (Mary) and Erica Long Sherrill (Chip); and her great-grandchildren, Jacob McElroy, Senna Sherrill, and Orson Long.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday April 24, 2026 at Evergreen Cemetery, 1462 Armstrong Ford Road, Belmont North Carolina, with Reverend George Ragsdale officiating.

Pallbearers will be Lloyd Long, Jr., Kevin Long, Chip Sherrill, Lee Brown, David Tomlinson, and Jacob McElroy.

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com