Marilyn Sue Long's Obituary
Marilyn Sue Long, age 81, passed from this life on January 9, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She entered the world on June 3, 1944, in Tulsa, beginning a legacy of love, devotion, and quiet strength that touched countless lives. She was the beloved daughter of Vernon C. Ferguson and Thelma S. (Frisbie) Ferguson.
A graduate of Will Rogers High School, Marilyn went on to build a beautiful life rooted in family, strength, and simple joys. She met the love of her life, James “Jim” Long, and the two were married in Tulsa on July 28, 1962. Their union was blessed with a wonderful son and daughter, and together the family created a lifetime of cherished memories. Marilyn and Jim shared 63 remarkable years filled with companionship, laughter, and unwavering devotion.
Marilyn embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm. She had a special love for hot air balloons and delighted in the chance to soar among them. She enjoyed fishing, tending to her flower gardens, and exploring her family’s history through genealogy. A loyal OU fan, she cheered passionately for her team. She was also a proud member of the Tulsa Genealogy Society Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and the CB Club.
Throughout her working years, Marilyn found joy in many roles, including her time as a florist Assistant at Buddy’s Flowers and her work with Lowrance Electronics. Yet her greatest fulfillment came from being a homemaker. Her home, her family, and her gardens were her sanctuary—places where her warmth and creativity flourished.
Marilyn was a bright presence in the lives of all who knew her. Her kindness, her gentle spirit, and her unwavering love will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of her family and friends, who will continue to carry her light forward.
She is preceded in death by her parents Vernon and Thelma Ferguson; sister Laverne Gayle Sanders; and son in law Owen Johnston.
Marilyn is survived by her husband Jim Long; daughter Angela Johnston and her fiancée Steven Levan of Andover, Kansas; son Jeffrey Long of Rogers, Arkansas; grandchildren Kyle Johnston and his wife Taylor, and Nicholas Johnston and his wife Erin; great grandchildren Judah and Ramsey Johnston all of Wichita, Kansas; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends who will forever cherish their memories together.
A celebration of Marilyn’s life will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at 3pm at Floral Haven Funeral Home Chapel in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. She will be laid to rest following the service at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens in the Garden of Prayer.
In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests donations to the Tulsa Genealogy Society.
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