Betty Jean Long, a beloved matriarch, passed away at the age of 90 on October 26, 2024, at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo, Texas, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 27, 1934, in Brady, Texas to Edgar Marvin Shoemake and Janial Martin Shoemake. Betty’s life was marked by her deep love for her family, her passion for her work, and her commitment to nurturing the world around her.
Betty eloped with the love of her life, Benny Bob Long, at First Baptist Church in Belton, Texas, on June 23, 1951. The couple built a life together that began at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, where she worked as a clerk. Following Benny’s discharge, they moved to Lampasas, where they opened the Benny Long Agency. Their union was blessed with two children, Randy and DeAun, who were the joy of Betty’s life.
Following the untimely passing of Benny in 1965, Betty found love again and married Rex Mahan, Jr., who preceded her in death in 2022. Throughout her life, Betty held onto cherished memories of both husbands, as they played significant roles in her journey.
An enthusiastic learner, Betty grew up in Lampasas County and graduated from Lometa High School. She had a passion for playing basketball and dancing, interests that marked her formative years. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, she loved to connect with her family and fervently kept up with their activities.
Betty’s personality was nothing short of warm and inviting. She had a green thumb and cherished her flowers and yard, but her goldendoodle, Sadie, held a special place in her heart. She found joy in the outdoor farming and ranching life, relishing the time spent caring for her plants and animals. In her quieter moments, Betty enjoyed relaxing with her favorite Westerns on the cowboy channel.
She is survived by her two children, Randy Long and his wife Deborah of Shields, and DeAun Dalton and her husband Jay of Coleman. Her legacy continues through her two grandchildren, Charliese Castleberry of Coleman and Jessica Seward and her husband Shan of Goldthwaite, as well as her three great-grandchildren, Kayden Castleberry and his wife Kenley, Kenlie Castleberry, and Hudson Seward. Additionally, Betty is survived by two step-grandchildren, Brook Flores and her husband Chris, and Ryan Dalton and his wife Esmeralda: along with two step-great-grandchildren, Parker Flores and Morgan Flores. She is also remembered by her sister, Eileen Kendrick of Abilene, and her niece, Cindye Hammond, and nephew, Mick Hammond and his wife Lisa.
Betty is also preceded in death by her parents, Edgar Marvin Shoemake and Janial Martin Shoemake.
The family will host a visitation from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 29, 2024, at Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, 400 W. Pecan Street, in Coleman. A graveside funeral service will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday following the visitation at Shields Cemetery. A funeral procession will leave Stevens Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. to go to Shields Cemetery. All are welcome to join. Services are entrusted to Stevens Funeral Home in Coleman.
Serving as pallbearers are Shan Seward, Kayden Castleberry, Hudson Seward, Mick Hammond, Charliese Castleberry, Jessica Seward, Chris Flores, and Kenlie Castleberry.
The family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in memory of Betty be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Her spirit will be profoundly missed by all whose lives she touched, as she leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and devotion to family.
We invite you to share fond memories and words of comfort and condolence with the Long family by signing the guestbook on Betty’s tribute page at www.stevensfuneralhome.com. Stevens Funeral Home is honored to serve the Long family.