Margie M. Long

Margie M. Long was born on March ,1932, in Des Moines, Iowa, peacefully passed away on July 14, 2024, the same city where her life began. Her visitation will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at Kyles AME Zion Church, in Des Moines, from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Immediately following visitation, her funeral service will be at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

Please keep her family in your prayers during this difficult time. 

Margie Maxine Long was born on March 16, 1932, in Des Moines, Iowa. Out of the union between Rossetta and Wille Saunders along with 3 other sisters and 3 brothers. 

 Margie’s life was filled with a loving family culture consisting of five household families all wrapped into one nuclear family and friends. There were numerous picnics, birthday parties, baseball and football games. Pokeno on the weekends, and worldly travels. 

Margie attended Des Moines Public School and graduated from Des Moines North High School. She was and employee of Iowa Methodist Hospital for 37 years, and also served as a ceramics instructor at the Homes of Oakridge. She worked for Des Moines Public Schools as a cafeteria worker for a short period of time before starting her own day care center and eventually retired from the workforce altogether.  

Margie was a lifelong member of Kyles E Zion Church and attended Sunday School and Church Services on a consistent bases. Her proudest accomplishment was being named Mother of the Church and she wore the title with distinction. She also served as President of Usher Board, President of the Knights of Pythias (Esther Light), and held an Honorary Title of Trustee Emeritus.

Beyond Margie’s professional life, she found an abundant joy in cooking and satisfying the taste buds of others; prevalent in cookies, cakes, pies, and all food choices whether it was a church event, birthday, Christmas, or strait up good old - fashioned meal. Whatever the case, the food was always fantastic and brought warmth and togetherness. 

Proceeded in death by, mother, Rossetta Sanders; daughter, Bobbie Long; sister, Barbara Western, brother, Bobbie Carter; sister, Pearl Nichols; brother, Dewy Carter; brother, Donald Johnson; sister, Laquita Murphy; grandson, Lance Robinson; nephew, Marco Hines and Dennis Anderson; niece, Jimmy Hines and Danette Barnes. 

Those left to cherish Margie’s loving memory are her loving children: Terrie Long, Sherry Battles, Robert Long Jr., Doris (Albert) Hall, and Alberta Hill. Additionally, she leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and 10 great-great- grandchildren who will carry forth her legacy of love compassion. Margie is also remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were blessed to have known her throughout her life. 

Margie Long will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing a vibrant spirit and kind heart. Her memory will live on through the lives she and the legacy she leaves behind. May she rest in eternal peace that she made a profound impact on all who had the honor of crossing paths her during her remarkable journey on earth.