Dr. Billie Jo Long
Jan. 22, 1938 – Jan. 22, 2021
Billie Jo Daugherty Long, Ed.D. of Richmond, VA and formerly of Vienna and Wheeling, WV, passed peacefully into her eternal rest on January 22, 2021 (her birthday) with her beloved Dick by her side, after a courageous 10 year journey with Alzheimer’s.
Born on January 22, 1938 (Wetzel County, WV), Billie Jo was preceded in death by her parents Lee and Goldie Dean Daugherty, Pine Grove, WV. They were clearly responsible for molding Billie Jo into the kind and loving woman that she became. She was also preceded by her only sibling, Allen Lee Daugherty of Morgantown, WV.
Billie Jo (BJ) leaves behind the love of her life and husband of 22 years, Richard (Dick) Long; her children, Dean and Toni Rieck of Westerville, OH and Jama and James Tredway of Las Vegas, NV; and her grandchildren Jenna and JJ Scott of Las Vegas, NV. In addition, she is survived by her extended family (Dick’s family); his children, Angie and Warren Fischi of Richmond, VA, Debbie and Todd Krebs of Haymarket, VA, and Bach Long of Sterling, VA; his grandchildren, Frances, Vinnie, Rocco and Lucia Fischi; Brendan, Jennifer, Jessica, Matthew and Catherine Krebs; and his great-granddaughter Olivia Krebs. She will also be missed by her sister-in-law Brenda Daugherty and her three nephews, Eric and Joel Daugherty of Morgantown, WV, and Ryan Daugherty of Fairmont, WV; and a very special friend, Dr. Beth Musser of Boalsburg, PA.
BJ grew up in the small town of Pine Grove, WV. She treasured the friendships made and values learned there for the rest of her life. BJ began her education at the age of 5 in a one-room school built by Hope Natural Gas in Pine Grove. She graduated from Valley High School (16 years of age) at the top of her class and immediately began her undergraduate studies at West Liberty State College (now University) and received her B.S. in Education at 19 years of age. BJ continued her studies by earning a Master Degree and Doctorate in Education from West Virginia University. A lifelong student, she completed post doctorate studies in Education and other courses of interest. Learning new things was a lifelong goal of Dr. Long
Prior to her retirement in 2000, BJ devoted 42 years to teaching and making a difference in many students lives. She began her teaching career at the age of 19 in Wetzel County as a High School teacher of English and Business. She later obtained her Elementary Teaching Certificate. While studying for her Doctorate at WVU, she taught graduate classes before spending 30 years as a Professor of Education, Director of Student Teaching, and Chair of the Education Department at West Liberty State College.
Dr. Long was involved in multiple committees that developed reading and curriculum at the school, county, regional, and state levels during her tenure at West Liberty. She worked with County Superintendents of Schools on projects throughout her education career. She was a member of numerous professional, honorary and academic organizations, and was a lifetime member of the Stepping Stones of Ohio Valley College.
The last five years of her career was spent at Ohio Valley College (now University) as Dean of Professional Learning where she developed and implemented a 4-year Education Degree Program which was approved by the WV Department of Education.
Throughout her education career, Dr. Long received many honors and recognition for her significant contributions to Education. Dr. Long was chosen in 1992 as a delegate for the U.S. Reading Educator’s Delegation to Hungry and Russia. She was named Outstanding Instructor by the WV Legislature on Higher Education in 1989. She was named West Liberty’s Nominee for the WV Professor of the Year in 1986, 1987, and 1988. Dr. Long was named Ohio Valley College Professor of the Year in 1999 by the Student Government.
A scripture that motivated her to become a better teacher and Christian role model was Proverbs 2:6, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth comes knowledge and understanding.” Dr. Long had a unique ability for teaching and delivering her storehouse of knowledge to her students and student teachers.
BJ’s faith in the Lord Jesus Christ has been the foundation of her life’s journey and her secret to enduring life’s challenges. She approached everything she did with a loving heart and her eyes on God. BJ was a faithful member of the Churches of Christ: Three Chopt and Manassas in VA; Grand Central, National Road, Hillview Terrace, and Pine Grove in WV; and St.Clairesville in OH. It was through her church families that she formed lifelong friendships. She was a student of God’s Word throughout her life and taught bible classes for students/ladies, and served as camp counselor/cook for many years. She was often a speaker for Ladies Inspiration Days.
Upon her and Dick’s retirement, they agreed that they would be a TEAM as servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. At the Grand Central Church they served as Senior Adult Ministry Leaders serving Seniors in the Parkersburg/Vienna Metro Area. They also served the homeless in the Parkersburg area. BJ and Dick loved hiking and traveling together. BJ was also an avid reader, and loved playing golf and tennis and riding her Honda Goldwing for a number of years.
BJ’s courage will serve as an example to those who knew and loved her. This courage gave her the strength to face her most monumental obstacle of life – her journey with Alzheimer’s. She led a life that was rich and varied in experiences and treasured being with those close to her. Her husband and children knew her as a strong woman always putting family first and loving those around her. “She is clothed with strength and dignity,” Prov 31:25. BJ leaves a meaningful legacy as a dedicated servant to her family, to God, to Jesus Christ and His church, to her friends; and to all the teachers in classrooms whom she helped develop.
Click here to view the Live Stream Service for Dr. Billie Jo. Long on Friday, February 12 at 1 pm to view the service. Interment will be at Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ohio Valley University, Dr. Billie Jo Long Endowed Education Scholarship Fund 1 Campus View Drive, Vienna, WV, Alzheimer’s Association @alz.org or the Hope Foundation, 2235 Staples Mill Rd, Suite 100, Richmond, VA 23230.
Billie Jo was one of the first people I met when I moved to Parkersburg WV to teach at Ohio Valley College. She immediately took me under her wing and helped me at work, but much more, became a dear, dear friend. I can’t begin to count the meals and times we shared together. We loved on each other’s cats and quickly formed a lifelong friendship. We walked with each other through some very difficult times and also enjoyed many moments. I was so blessed by her and will miss her as long as I live.
Dick and family…..so sorry for the loss of Billie Jo. I admired her so much but am especially grateful to how she reached out to me when I went through a very heartbreaking time in my life. You both were a wonderful example to me in how second chances in marriage can have wonderful outcomes! Your marriage exemplified making beauty from ashes as you served the Lord together. I am very thankful to have had her in my life! Prayers for strength and comfort!
Dick, Jami and family. So sad to hear of the death of Billie Jo. She was a special lady and great Bible teacher. We remember her with many happy memories.
Mr. Long you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tina Thomas, Alzheimer’s Association.
What a wonderful lady. I would not be where I am today without all her mentorship and love.
Dick and the extended families of Billie Jo. Allie and I were blessed to be able to watch the service for Billie Jo and celebrate her life and the crown she’s inherited through her faith. We were grateful to be colleagues for several years, and then grateful to be house guests enjoying the warm friendship and hospitality you both shared on our visits to Vienna. We’re grateful, Dick, for your love and care for this dear friend, and our prayers are with you. May the God of Comfort grant you peace and the fullness of joy in cherished memories and in the hope of an eternal reunion.
David and Allie
Billie Jo and I are related, we may be second or third cousins. I think my Grandmother Alice Judge and Billie Jo’s dad Lee were related. I guess the last time I seen Billie Jo was back in the late 1950’s. My parents, sister and I would bring my Grandparents to Pine Grove to see her parents. I used to play with Allen Lee . Billie Jo, I believe was going to college or getting ready to go. My dad was in the Air Force and we moved around a lot, I was in elementary school at that time. So, I really didn’t get to know her. A cousin of ours emailed me and told me she had passed away. I was so sorry to hear that. I have read her obituary she sound like a wonderful lady! My deepest sympathy to her family and Allen Lee.