What is Your Story

Betty Long shares her signature smile as she enjoys the beautiful Autumn day.

Betty Coleman began life in Marshall, Texas, which is known as the “Wonderland of Lights” for holding one of the largest light festivals in the United States. Due to her diminutive size, Betty became known in High School as “Termite.” She lived there most of her youth and thankfully retained her soft accent!

In thinking about her life, Betty told of the wonderful time she had when friends introduced her to Harry Long. In that time, a popular recreational choice was to go to “Long’s Fish Camp.” Harry’s parents lived in a large home right off Caddo Lake, and there were cabins all around it. People rented those cabins, and Harry supplied them well with worms for their fishing poles. He earned good money doing that! They enjoyed the sunshine and fresh air together, found that marriage was in their future, and so Betty’s new last name became “Long.”

As a young couple, they faced some life-changing decisions. They both studied at Texas University. Betty and Harry had different ideas of career; while she enjoyed English and Philosophy, Harry wanted to become a CPA. They “had a fun time of it,” though, especially by riding around on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Betty became a legal secretary, and Harry’s dream of becoming an attorney was realized. Also, their dream of a family became reality, with the birth of two daughters.

Betty was volunteering full-time at the Information Desk at Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital in Marshall, Texas, when President Kennedy was shot. This is the most significant world event in her life. Harry was at work and Betty called him. He was shocked, with everyone else. “Oh goodness, that was something-we were all heartbroken.” Betty remembers transitioning from Black & White TV to Color. “Now, that was something else.”

Betty’s proudest achievement is marrying Harry and bringing two beautiful daughters into the world. Suzanne carried on the family tradition by becoming a CPA like her father, but cancer struck her down when she was 62. There was no evidence of the disease in the family, so Betty still wonders why. Her other daughter Debbie keeps a close eye on Betty, and when her father died, she encouraged her mother to move into the Fairfax area so they can be close.

Betty first moved into the independent living community, The Woodlands Retirement Community, where she enjoyed her life in many ways, including traveling with other residents on trips. A memorable time was seeing Bette Midler in New York in “Hello Dolly.” She found a special gentleman while living at The Woodlands, and their friendship is now seen at The Gardens. Being at The Gardens helps her world, with the kind staff, three meals a day, and all of the activities offered to people in wheelchairs. Bridge is where you’ll see her twice a week.

Betty’s smile comes easily to her, and it’s so easy to smile back in enjoyment of this wonderful lady.