Evelyn Lipscomb Long was a former educator with the School District of Philadelphia.

Long died April 11, 2012, after a lengthy illness with complications following surgery. She was 80.

She was born May 3, 1931, in South Boston, Va. She was the third of seven children born to William and Gladys Pounds Lipscomb.

She became a member of News Ferry First Baptist Church in South Boston, Va. at an early age. Following her graduation from high school, Long received her undergraduate degree in elementary education from Virginia State College and her masters of education degree in advanced study in special education from Pennsylvania State University.

She spent her teaching career in the School District of Philadelphia and retired from the position of department head of special education at Northeast High School in 1993.

She married her husband James “Jimmy” Long on May 22, 1955, and they made their home in the greater Philadelphia area. After their marriage, she joined her husband as a member of the Vine Memorial Baptist Church, but later joined Grace Baptist Church. Their last years were spent together in Wyncote, Pa.

They were a loving couple who enjoyed the comfort and beauty they created in their home. Family and friends enjoyed their warm and gracious hospitality when visiting with them.

In her later years, Long endured her illness with stamina and courage, her family said.

She was predeceased by her parents; brothers, James, William Jr., Robert and Malcolm Lipscomb.

She is survived by her husband; sisters, Alice Lipscomb Jernigan and Lillie Lipscomb Taylor of Richmond, Va.; sisters-in-law, Melba Carr Lipscomb of South Boston, Va., Margie Long Mallory and Carolyn Wakefield Long of Bowling Green, Kentucky; brother-in-law, Rev. John E. Long of Bowling Green, Kentucky; godson, Stephen B. Taylor of Lewes, Del.; goddaughters, JoAnn Green Badger and Debra Holmes Johnson; and other relatives and friends.

Services will be held April 17 at Vine Memorial Baptist Church, 5600 West Girard Avenue. Viewing will be at 10. Services will follow at 11. Burial is in White Marsh Memorial Park.

Wood Funeral Home handled the arrangements.