Mrs. Shirley Mims Long was born on September 29, 1947 in Beaufort, South Carolina. She was the daughter of the late George and Willie Mae Wilson Mims. On Friday, September 17, 2021, at home surrounded by her family, the Master called her home. She was an exceptionally gifted loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, a loving and caring sister, and a trusted friend.
She was educated in the public schools of Beaufort and Jasper Counties. She attended Robert Smalls High School, and graduated from Jasper County High School, in 1967. She attended South University, in Savannah, GA and the Technical College, in the Lowcountry of Beaufort, SC. She wanted everyone to know, “she got her degree from the Lord.”
She accepted Christ as her Savior and became a member of Second Jordan Baptist Church, and Tabernacle Baptist Church, where she attended Sunday School. She moved to Elizabeth, NJ, where she attended New Zion Baptist Church. She returned to South Carolina and rejoined Tabernacle Baptist Church. She moved to Columbia, SC, where she joined Brookland Baptist Church, where the Reverend Dr. Charles B. Jackson, Sr. is the pastor. Before her passing, she was a member of I. DeQuincy Newman United Methodist Church, where the Reverend Jeremiah Page is the pastor.
She was preceded in death by: her parents, George and Willie Mae Wilson Mims; stepparents, Charlie and Bessie Sims; a son, Terrance Mims; brothers, Joseph “Junior” Mims, Nathaniel “Zac” Mims, and Lawrence “Pepper” Mims; and one sister, Renell “Nell” Goethie.
Mrs. Shirley Mims Long is survived by: her husband of 49 years, John L. Long; loving children, Michael (Siomara) Mims and Kelly Long; eight grandchildren, Jayden, Tyler, Taylor, Alexis, Kerri, Maya, Misa, and Terrance, Jr.; three great-grandchildren, Timothy, True, and Logan; two sisters, Betty (Stanley) Robinson and Patricia Ann Mims; two stepsisters, Charletta (Darrin) Evans and Shirlene Sims; those who loved her like a mother, Retired Major Derwin Bradley, Arthur (Snapper) Chisholm, Cecilia Brown, Renee, Leverette, Rhonetta “Neice” Onukwugha, Audrey Brown, and Vanessa Jenkins; mother-in-law, Daisy Long; three sisters-in-law, Geraldine Adams, Alice Atkins, and Sharron (Howard) Sheppard; one brother-in-law, Earnest (Cheryl) Long; two godchildren, Major Edlynn Atkins and Demetria Harding; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and caring friends, all of whom will miss her dearly.
I met this wonderful woman while visiting friends who lived nearby, she immediately took to me and I to her like kindred spirits. She invited me in her home and life extending grace way beyond people I’ve know much longer. I called her South Carolina Mom. Rest Well Empress Shirley My Condolences to Mr John and her entire family.
As I I was thinking to myself and wondering is this a dream and then it came to me clear as day angels are needed to help and Ma Shirley being one here on Earth God knew she was one of the best if you ever got to meet her you would know she was an angel just saying her name or hearing her voice will put you in a good mood I for one and blessed to have met her
My condolences to the family. Mrs. Long was a very sweet person and truly a gift to all she came in touch with. She will be truly missed.
Thanks for always being a ray of sunshine every time we talked. Working with you was always a pleasure and you will be missed dearly by so many Mrs. Shirley.
My sincere condolence to the family and close friends who shared so many great memories, never to be forgotten.
Our thoughts and prayers go out for the family. My sincere condolences to the family.
My sincere condolences to the family of my beautiful classmate(1966) Shirley Mims Long.
Please remember the Resurrection which is our hope.
We will see her again.
May all that is said give you hope, comfort, and peace.
Hello John, Micheal, kelli, grand children, and family members. I thank God for placing your family in my life. I will always ask our heavenly father to keep and bless your family. Shirley was a great friend of mine. She is now resting in peace. May our heavenly father bless and keep the entire family. Love,
Praying for your comfort during your time of bereavement in the loss of Cousin Shirley. May God forever bless and keep you is also my prayer
Love Always
Cousin Cartayah Hawkins Reid
On behalf of The Class of 1967, Jasper High School, Bees Creek Road, Ridgeland, SC, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the Long and Mims families. We’re praying for God’s continued rich blessings of His mercy, peace, hope and discernment.
To Dear John, Kelly, and the entire Mims-Long Family. I’m Sharing in your Sorrow.
My Prayer to the Almighty is that my Dearest Friend/Classmate Shirley’s Soul Rest in Peace and for Comfort and Strength for her Family.
Sending Healing Prayers and Comforting Hugs.
Carol Sue Jordan
RSHS Class of 66
Our deepest condolences to John, Kelly, Michael and the entire family for the loss of our long time Pulaski Drive neighbor. We spent many, many hours talking in our front yards, as loving neighbors do. We love you and we will miss you, Shirley Long .
Sadly,
Kim Kelley and Mary M. Wells
I would like to express my deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to John, Michael Kelly and Family. Mrs Shirley will be missed by more people than you know. She was a beautiful soul with so much more to give.
My condolences to John, Kelly, Michael and family. There are no words express the loss of Cousin Shirley. Ill also remember her 70th birthday party, the memories will last until we meet again. Rest on Cuz you fought a good fight. We love you but God loves you more.
Cuz Evelyn Maynor
New Jersey
our payers go out to you and your family,god will get you through this, john and regenia russell
You and your family have my deepest condolences. May the precious memories comfort you for days to come.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go to all the family. Shirley was a friend to all.
To, the Mims and Long Family, I am so extremely sad to hear of Shirley’s demise. I, just recently learned of her illness and now today I learn of her death, which occured on the 9/17/21 ! What can I say ? She was a classmate, and we both went in different directions after school but met up again in South Carolina before she moved to Blythewood. Shirley, was a good friend and someone I will always remember and think of often ! Revelation 21:3,4 & John 5:28,29
My condolences to the Long and Mims family, Shirley was such sweet and loving person and will truly be missed.
May God bless and comfort you during your time of grief
Classmate RSHS 66
To Mr John, Michael, Kelly and the family, our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with you all during this time. My sweet cousin Shirley, thank you for your loving heart and kindness that you have shown many of us. Rest comfortably in the arms of the Lord. You’re truly going to be missed❤️ Michael, your BCHS Class of 87, extends our prayers to you and your family 💙🙏🏾❤️
To John and Family: My heart was saddened too hear the loss of my classmate
I will miss her smile and soft voice. I will remember the time we spoke and told each other that we love each other. May you hold on to God’s amazing grace and mercy.
Yvonne Loadholt Deloach
Class of 1966
My Deepest Condolences To John, Kelly & The Entire Mims Long Family! Shirley was ALWAYS such a sweet person and she will truly be missed by ALL who knew her. “HOLD TO GOD’S UNCHANGING HANDS FOR COMFORT & STRENGTH!’
May your precious memories see you through this time
To Mr. John, Michael, Kelly and the Mims family I am so sorry for your loss. This is a loss for everyone who knew Ms. Long.
There are just no words to express my deepest and sincerest sympathy to your family. She touched so many lives with her kindness and love. Heaven has definitely gained another angel. I will continue to pray that God will strength and keep you all . Keep trusting and believing in the Lord.
Michelle Hills
Former Mossy Oaks Student
We wish to extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the Long family. Shirley had a sweet, kind and loving spirit that is going to be missed by everyone who was blessed to know her. To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
You will be in our prayers.
The Carter Family
Can’t believe this she gone. I thought it was her bday and she was celebrating it all month.she was so sweet always told me to pray.
Mrs. Long, you will truly be missed. Your dedication and positive attitude were a joyful addition to our unit. Words cannot fully express the positive influence you emitted on those around you.
May God bless your family with grace, peace, and strength during this time.
92nd Buffalo, Unit 20
Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary
I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family for your loss especially John, Michael and Kelly. Mrs Shirley you will truly be missed, every since I’ve known you always had a smile and incurring words to say.
Our condolences to Jeanine Lidell and her family for the loss of your dear auntie.
We’re praying for our God’s continued rich blessings of His mercy, peace, hope and discernment to the Long Family and friends. Let’s remember that our God never makes a mistake in whatever He does. Romans 8:18
I will truly miss you Mrs. Shirley, you have been an inspiration to my family. Thanks for all your encouraging words that has always uplifted us. You have taught us some great things and I will forever feast off of the last words that I heard you said on our last visit. I Love you and will forever treasure our relationship. Thanks Mr. John, Michael, Kelly, and all of her grandchildren/ relatives, for sharing her with us. Rest In the Arms of Jesus. Keeping looking over All of Us!
John and Family….We’re thinking of you at this time and asking God to show you His shepherd’s heart in your time of need. Extending our sincere sympathy and friendship.
Sidney and Rumell Ladson
My sincere condolences to John and his family.
What a friend we have in Jesus. I had a friend in Mrs. Long. Her smile was her smile. We would always have a nice conversation whenever we were in each other’s presence. Now she’s in the presence of the Lord. My condolences to her family and friends.
Roslyn E Peterson