Joy Lynn Long

Joy Lynn Long, affectionately known as Lynn, passed away on March 12, 2026, in Decatur, Texas, at the age of 78. Born on October 31, 1947, in Olney, Texas, she was a spirited woman whose greatest joys were her family and a lifetime of serving others. On June 26, 1964, she married the love of her life, Virgil Wayne Long, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned more than five decades. Together they raised two children, Wayland and Lisa, who became the heart of the Long family legacy.

Alongside her husband, Lynn helped found the Long Oil Company in the late 1960s, building the fuel distributorship into one of the strongest in the nation. After selling the company, they turned their focus to ranching and cutting horses. A 47-year member of both the National Cutting Horse Association and the American Quarter Horse Association, she won an AQHA Amateur Cutting World Championship in 2007. Her deepest pride, however, came from watching her children and grandchildren succeed. She was their loudest and most loyal supporter at every cutting, sporting event, stock show, and 4-H activity.

Lynn remained deeply devoted to her community through her active involvement in the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Wise Hope, the Daughters of the American Revolution, Decatur Church of Christ, and many other organizations. Her generosity, servant’s heart, and love of fellowship touched countless lives.

She is survived by her son, Wayland Long, and his wife, Carrie; her daughter, Lisa Bradshaw, and husband Steve; and her grandchildren: Libby and Ethan Eisenbarth, Abby Long and Forest Moore, Binion Long, Lyndi and Colton Bourquin, Lauryn Luttrull, Zach and Jessie Bradshaw, Kyle Bradshaw, and Shelby and Grant Petty. She also leaves behind great-grandchildren Ozzie Eisenbarth, Kutter Bradshaw, and Shane Bradshaw. Lynn was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Long, her parents, Wayland and Kama Biggs, and her sister, Juanita Marley Hill.