Stanton Lamar Long

Published 9:39 am Tuesday, May 6, 2025

A celebration of life will be held for Mr. Stanton L. Long at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 10, at Adams United Methodist Church, with burial in the church cemetery. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Riverwood Family. Visitation will resume at 10 a.m. Saturday until the time of service at the church.

Stanton Lamar Long was born in Houston, MS to Stanton Lee Long and Mildred Hodges Long on September 26, 1947. He was raised in Webster County in the small community of Grady. He attended school in Eupora where he graduated from Eupora High School in 1965. As a first-generation college student, he went on to attend Holmes Junior College on a football scholarship and received his Bachelor of Science in Education from Delta State University. He received his Master of Science in Education from Mississippi State University. He began his educational career at Booker T. Washington School in Philadelphia, MS, followed by several years at Lake High School. He taught History, PE, and was the football coach at Caledonia High School. In 1976, Stan was hired to be the principal at Bogue Chitto Attendance Center in Lincoln County where he remained in that position for 23 years. He then went on to work for the Lincoln County Board of Education another 23 years.

As a licensed bus driver, he drove a school bus for sports teams, field trips, or a regular daily bus route and he loved it. He was honored to serve on the South West Mississippi Council of the Recreation, Conservation and Development District which provided loans to farmers. He also served on the Pearl River Basin Authority board which oversaw three waterways and provided funds to participating counties. He was an active member of Adams United Methodist Church in Summit where he was a Lay Leader and Sunday School teacher for decades. Stan was a loyal member of the Exchange Club of Brookhaven for 18 years and loved seeing the children in the community enjoy the Exchange Club Fair … especially the Ferris wheel.

In 2003, Stan was elected Chairman of the Mississippi Beta Council. This position placed him on the Board of Directors of the National Beta Club where he served for 20 years and was named Board Member Emeritus. This position also allowed Rita and Stan many opportunities for travel and to meet some of the nicest people on this planet.

He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Rita Carol Calcote Long; three daughters, Tatia Long Kiser (Jonathan), Natalie Long, and Stanci Long (Shayne). He is also survived by his perfect grandchildren, Jackson Kiser, Caroline Kiser, Kate Kiser, Charles Kiser and Toby Adams.

Our family would like to thank the compassionate healthcare team at Dignity Hospice. Your gentle care, unwavering support, and endless kindness brought peace and comfort to our family during this difficult time. We are eternally grateful for the love and care Della Jenkins brought into our lives. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Adams United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 455, Summit, MS 39666 or a charity of your choice.

Condolences and other information are available online at www.riverwoodfamily.com.