Ozella Neill Long, a lover of life, learning and family, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2005, surrounded by her children. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Al Long in 2001.Memorial services will be held at 4:00 PM Wednesday, July 6, 2005 at the Kerrville Church of Chirst, Kerrville, withContinue Reading
Ozella Neill Long, a lover of life, learning and family, passed away on Friday, July 1, 2005, surrounded by her children. She was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Al Long in 2001.Memorial services will be held at 4:00 PM Wednesday, July 6, 2005 at the Kerrville Church of Chirst, Kerrville, with Dr. Greg Cummings, officiating.Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Friday, July 8, 2005 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel, Big Spring, with Ralph Anderson, minister of Birdwell Lane Church of Christ, officiating. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park.The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday, July 7, 2005 at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home, Big Spring.Ozella was born in Waco, Texas, on December 20, 1925, the first daughter and one of four children of Frank and Lucile Bridges Neill. She spent her childhood south of Big Spring, graduating from high school at age 16 with a group of less than 20.Married to Al Long in 1942 at the young age of 16, she courageously took trains and followed him to his World War II assignments across America, toting a new baby, Alice, canned Carnation milk, and cloth diapers. After the war, Al and Ozella returned to West Texas, and had their second daughter, Fran.Ozella's life revolved around her faithfulness to God, family and friends. Known for her quick laughter, a listening ear and a sparkle in her eye, she collected friends instead of possessions and worked steadfastly for her causes. Her Godly spirit and sensitivity to other's needs led to countless hours of visits, cooking and sharing. She cooked and gardened to perfection and defended her love of the desert beauty of West Texas. Blessed with a small, but strong family, her two granddaughters were most exceptional to her and she was tireless in doing special things for them.Ozella worked 20+ years for the Soil Conservation, Webb Air Force Base and the VA Hospital in Big Spring. After retirement, she enjoyed a new career in Mary Kay Cosmetics. Books, research of any subject, words and language were a big part of Ozella's pleasure. She excelled with 4.0 grade points in college courses and certification in Professional Secretarial training. Her commitment to the Lord led to countless hours of work with the deaf ministry, prison ministry and World Bible School. Her community activities included timely investments in the Howard County and Permian Basin Historical Commission, where she generously gave time to scholarship programs and preservation of county structures.Ozella's cancer diagnosis came abruptly and aggressively, but like all of her difficult life endeavors, she grimaced and took Romans 8:18 in stride, "But what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will give us later."She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Alice and George Kolb, Fredericksburg, and Fran and Mark Patterson, Austin, her granddaughters and grandson-in-law, Alisa and Andy Nelson, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Teal Patterson, Austin, one sister and brother-in-law, Frances and Bill Ramsey, Phoenix, Arizona, and cousins, nieces, a nephew and a new great niece. Her family, friends and co-workers have been enriched and blessed to be called her children, friends and companions. We love you forever, Mom."Find rest, O my soul, in God alone, my hope comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge." Psalms 62:5-7Special thanks is extended to Vista Care, and especially Shirley Higdon, R.N., who provided excellent hospice assistance and support during Ozella's fight with cancer.Remembrances may be given to the Church of Christ landscape or library fund, 1900 Memorial Parkway, Kerrville, Texas 78028 or to Vista Care Hospice, 1001 Water Street, Kerrville, Texas 78028, or to the Medina Children's Home, 21300 State Hwy 16 N., Medina, Texas 78055.Arrangements under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Big Spring. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,
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