Audrey Mildred Long

Audrey Mildred Nash Long of Fannett went to be with Jesus on January 17, 2025, at home, surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and loved ones and praising God in song to the very end.

The matriarch of a huge family, Audrey came from humble beginnings. She was born April 20, 1935, in Sunderland, England, to Maryanne Louise Watts. Living in simple circumstances at a time of war, Audrey’s mother worked hard to take care of her three children by working as a housekeeper. The youngest, Bobby, passed away as a child from diptheria. Nanna “Louie” Watts made sure that Audrey and her sister, Irene, were involved in the local church children’s ministry. Louie married Alfred Watts at the closing of WW2, which was a challenge for the surprisingly difficult young Audrey. However, Audrey’s life and family were transformed at age 13 when she trusted Jesus as her Lord and Saviour. She spoke often of the children and youth rallies at Bethesda Free Church and the training she received in sharing her faith.

At 16, Audrey met the love of her life, Barry Long, when he moved from London to Sunderland to attend Durham University, and they worshiped at the same church. Many of their “dates” consisted of meeting Barry at the train station after class and walking home together. During their courtship, Audrey trained as a registered nurse and midwife. After Barry’s graduation, they married in 1956, and Audrey delivered babies while Barry served two years of national service in the Royal Navy. Upon Barry’s first job in Birkenhead, they immediately started a family of their own, welcoming Timothy, Elisabeth, Helen, and Philip in a span of 5 years. In the fall of 1965, Audrey bravely boarded a ship to Canada with 4 children (and secretly pregnant with a 5th) as Barry flew ahead to prepare their home in Montreal. She said good-bye to parents, friends, church, and homeland — wholeheartedly following Barry in his dream of a new life in America.

From Montreal to Baltimore to Beaumont, the growing Long family (now with Janet and Susan) always found the closest Baptist church and immersed themselves in ministry. They enjoyed camping vacations all around their newly adopted country and made family time a priority. Audrey was the ideal stay at home mom and created a home of love, safety, and hospitality for her children, and later her grandchildren. Audrey taught children’s and women’s Sunday school classes and was active in Bible Study Fellowship. Her strong faith sustained her through the years and as she found herself as a widow at the young age of 59. Audrey loved her Thursday domino group, her “Oldies” friends, her Dorcas class, and has deeply impacted many for Christ beyond her own 6 children, 24 grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren. Treasured traditions for each grandchild include their high school graduation trip with Nanna and the monthly phone call on “their day.” They each claim to be her very favorite, and she treats each as such. Known by many outside the family as simply “Nanna” or “the Queen,” she is famous for Friday Feast, her British accent, cups of hot tea, her gracious spirit, her beautiful smile, and her quiet wisdom. However, Audrey would want her greatest legacy to be those who have been drawn closer to Christ as a result of her consistent witness in word and action.

Audrey was preceded in death by her husband, Barry; her son, Philip; and her sister and brother-in-law, Irene and Alan Foster. Survivors include her son, Timothy Long (Susan); daughters, Elisabeth Wenner (Scooter), Helen Brown (Bart), Janet Stewart (Clint), and Susan Taylor (Kevin); and daughter-in-law, Kim Long; grandchildren: Nathan (Mina), Ryan (Kacie), Jordan (Justin), Matthew, Sarah (Brandon), Andrew (Jenn), Lindsey (Alex), Trevor (Hannah), Aaron (Lindsie), Ethan (Korissa), Bryce (Ericka), Emily (Jordan), Daniel (Whitney), Patrick (Abigayle), Jordan, Peter (Lauren), Audrey (Nate), Camryn (Mason), Caroline, Amelia, Mary Katherine, Ivey, Ember, Cody (Kayla); and 26 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Gwenda Causer; and nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 6055 South Loop East, Houston, Texas 77087  give online or First Baptist Church of Fannett, 17019 Highway 124, Beaumont, Texas 77705  give online.

A gathering of Mrs. Long’s family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., Friday, January 24, 2025, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her Celebration of Life will be 11:30 a.m., Saturday, January 25, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 17019 Highway 124, Fannett. A private graveside service was held at Magnolia Cemetery, Beaumont.