Terry Long

Terry Louis Long was born on August 30, 1945, in Jackson, Tennessee, to Ethel Lee Campbell and Louis T. Bradley. At the age of two, Terry moved to Chicago, Illinois, with his loving adoptive parents, Eugene and Levonia Muse. Their warm and welcoming home later grew with the addition of his brother, Anthony Stingley.

A proud graduate of Phillips High School, Class of 1962, Terry went on to serve his country honorably in the United States Navy. His service took him to Hawaii, Cuba, and ultimately Vietnam, where he bravely fought as a Gunner’s Mate for two years.

Upon returning to the Chicago area, Terry met and fell in love with Genean Green, whom he married in 1974. The couple made their home in Aurora, Illinois, where Terry became a stepfather to Genean’s children, and together they welcomed a son, Marvin.

Throughout his life, Terry held a variety of occupations, including positions with Ford Motor Company and Caterpillar. He later found his calling as a Corrections Officer at a juvenile detention center for the State of Illinois, where he served with compassion and integrity until his retirement in 2007. Following retirement, Terry relocated to Omaha, Nebraska, where he enjoyed his later years in peace and fellowship.

A man of deep faith, Terry loved the Lord and was a dedicated member of Greater Love Missionary Baptist Church in Aurora and later Zion Baptist Church in Omaha. He was known for his generous spirit, easy smile, and love of life’s simple pleasures—especially fishing, cooking soul food, and singing old jazz standards that filled any room with warmth.

Terry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Genean, and his son, Marvin. He leaves to cherish his memory his brother Anthony (Ronda), daughters Beverly and Eleah, son Robert (Diana), and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends and loved ones who were touched by his kindness and humor.

When asked to reflect on his life, Terry once said, “I regret a lot of what I did in my youth, but I wanted to live a decent life later on. I tried to be good to people and was generous. I worked hard and took care of my family. I sinned, and I am repentant.”

In accordance with his wishes, there will be no formal service. His ashes will be spread at one of his favorite fishing spots, where he found joy, peace, and reflection.

The family wishes to express thanks to the staffs at Hickory Villa and St. Joseph Villa in Omaha, Nebraska, for their loving care in Terry’s final years, and for being there when they could not.