Elizabeth Irene Long, age 81 of Rural Retreat, VA passed away Saturday, September 16, 2017.  She was born in Smyth Co., VA on September 7, 1936 the daughter of the late Jake B. Mercer and Carrie Tuel Mercer.  Irene attended the Freedom Tabernacle Church and was preceded in death by her husband, William Guy "Bunk" Long; brothers, J.B. Mercer, Eugene "Pooch" Mercer, Charlie Mercer and Bill Mercer.

She is survived by her children, Sylvia Ann Stroupe and companion Dean Call of Saltville, VA, Jeff long and companion Sandy Anderson of  Rural Retreat; grandchildren, Jason Stroupe and wife Jessica, Stephanie Long, Kellie Long, Colt Butner and wife Jennifer; great grandchildren, Logan, C.J., Cooper, Maggie; brothers, Bobby Mercer, Beets Mercer both of Atkins, VA; sisters, Linda Parks, Mickey Blackburn, Betty Hopkins all of Marion, VA; special sister-in-law, Della Greer of Rural Retreat; special friends, Resa Sheets, Butch Quinn; several nieces, nephews and her beloved Kountry Kitchen family.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 19, 2017 at the Lindsey Memorial Chapel with Pastor Michael Hopkins and Rev. Mike Sage officiating.  Interment will follow in the Roselawn Cemetery in Marion.  The family will receive Monday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home or at the residence at any time.

Lindsey Funeral Home, Rural Retreat, VA is serving the Long family.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at:  www.highlandfuneralservice.com