Wilhelmina B. Long, 97, born to William Bell and Ollie Hart Bell, December 17, 1926, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, was the youngest of eleven siblings.  Wilhelmina passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 28, 2024.

At the age of five, Wilhelmina and her mother relocated to Winston-Salem, North Carolina where she later fell in love, discovered her calling as an educator, raised children, retired, and volunteered her service in many areas.

Wilhelmina graduated from Atkins High School in 1945 and continued her education at Winston-Salem Teachers College (now Winston-Salem State University), earning a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education.  In 1947, Wilhelmina married her high school sweetheart, Robert Lawrence, with whom she had three loving children, Andrais, Constance, and Don.

Wilhelmina began her professional career as a teacher in the Forsyth County School System and furthered her academic pursuits by obtaining a Master's Degree in Education from North Carolina A&T College (now North Carolina A&T State University) in Greensboro. After her marriage to Robert W. Long (Bill) in 1968, she was recruited to teach by the New York City Board of Education, and the two moved to Brooklyn, and later Queens, New York.

After obtaining her certification in School Administration and Supervision, she was appointed Assistant Principal at P.S. 73.  During her time in New York, Wilhelmina undertook additional studies at Brooklyn College, Fordham University, Adelphi University, and Hofstra University.

Following her retirement in 1988, she and Bill returned to Winston, where she reconnected with her home church, Shiloh Baptist, and served in many roles, including the Deaconess Ministry, Trustee Ministry, Ladies Progressive Ministry and Sheepfold Ministry.

Wilhelmina's commitment to civic engagement and fellowship is evident through her membership in numerous organizations, such as the National Council of Negro Women, Inc.; the National Association of University Women; Rose McCloud Chapter 608 OES-PHA; Hunter Hill Community Association; Winston-Salem State University Alumnae Association; Winston-Salem Forsyth County Emancipation Association; and the Winston-Salem Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Wilhelmina is remembered dearly by her children: Andrais L. (William) Brandon, Constance Lawrence Mitchell, and Don G. (Myrna) Lawrence; and her step-daughters, Linda Lindsay and Barbara W. McCracken. Her grandchildren, Brent T. (Aleashia) Brandon, Tamika N. Brandon, Terrance G. Lawrence, Donnell T. Lawrence, Chike A. (Amy) Lawrence, Amaka Y. (Kevin) Courts, and Kim (Patrick) Banks, will fondly cherish dear memories. Her great-grandchildren, Damian A. Brandon, Tyler B. Brandon-White, Wilhelmina J. Lawrence, Victor R. Lawrence, Brandon (Marcele) Banks, and McKenzie (Julius) Crews, will proudly carry on her legacy.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 5:00pm Friday, September 6, 2024 at Russell Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Saturday, September 7, 2024 at Shiloh Baptist Church with Reverend Dr. Paul A. Lowe, Jr. officiating.  Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Saturday at the Church. The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Omega Omega Service will be held at 10:30am Saturday at the Church.