Joyce Caroline Long, 81, of De Soto died Jan. 21, 2026. Mrs. Long worked as a cafeteria aide at Vineland School for more than 10 years, where she was known for loving her job and having a special place in her heart for the children she served each day. She will be remembered for offering a kind word, a smile and a sense of comfort to students. Born Aug. 10, 1944, in Illinois, she was the daughter of the late Curtis Elwood Harley and Myrtle Jane (Sutton) Harley.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 52 years: Charles Calvin Long.
She is survived by a son: Gary Long of O'Fallon; two daughters: Sherri (Rick) Nance of De Soto and Lori (Andrew) Dohack of De Soto; four grandchildren: Joshua Nance, Faith Nance, Daniel Long and Daphne Dohack; Elizabeth Long of O'Fallon; and numerous other family members and friends.
She also was preceded in death by a brother: Curtis Elwood Harley Jr.; and a sister: Curtis Caroline Harley.
Funeral services were held Jan. 27 at Mahn Funeral Home in De Soto, officiated by Pastor Ryan Sutton. Burial was in Peaceful Ridge Cemetery in De Soto. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38108-9959. Arrangements were under the direction of Mahn Funeral Home.