Connie Sue Hamilton Long, 74, of Phillipsburg, Mo. died peacefully in her sleep Friday, Oct. 8, 2021, at her home near Phillipsburg.
She was born Nov. 5, 1946, in Hannibal, Mo. She was the daughter of Rev. Oscar H. Hamilton and Mary Epperson Hamilton, and grew up in New Sharon and Bettendorf, Iowa. She was the youngest of their five children. Connie graduated from Bettendorf High School in 1964 where she enjoyed singing in choir and playing the saxophone in the band.
On June 15, 1963, she was joined in marriage with Ralph Long. Together she and Ralph pastored churches in Davenport, Nevada and Blue Grass, Iowa; and March, Phillipsburg and Lebanon, Mo. During those years Connie was often the worship leader and soloist. When the opportunity arose, she sang in the Benny Hinn Crusades choir. She and Ralph also traveled several times to Kenya to hold evangelistic crusades.
During the years in Laclede County, Connie worked at the VF Outlet working in the accounting department for over 10 years. She also worked at St. John’s Hospital, and Hermann Lumber.
Connie is preceded in death by her parents, Rev. and Mrs. Oscar Hamilton; her four siblings: Mary Hamilton, Patricia Hamilton McMorran, Beverly Hamilton Parmenter, Donald Hamilton, and their son, Tad Long.
Her husband of 58 years, Rev. Ralph Long survives with their children, Todd (Trish) Long of Davenport, Iowa and Tiffany Long (Chuck) Van Arsdale of Hernando, Fla.; and four grandchildren: Elizabeth Long, Kyle Cullum, Samantha Long Thomas, and Kaleb Long.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at Lighthouse Ministries Center, 24022 US Route 66, Lebanon, Mo. 65536.
