Gretchen Cole Long

Gretchen Cole Long, 91, formerly of Candler, died Monday, April 17, 2006, at the Rickman Center, Western North Carolina Baptist Home. Mrs. Long was born in Buncombe County and was the daughter of the late William Ed and Nancy Hutchinson Cole. She was also preceded in death by her husband, the Rev. S. Dwight Long, a son, Phillip E. Long, sisters, Lois Franklin, Areatha Harrell, Azalee Burton and Mattie Earley, and a brother, Roy Cole. She was a member of Hominy Baptist Church. Surviving are her grandchildren, Brandon Long and Amanda Long of Candler; a sister, Elveta Earley of Candler, and a number of nieces and nephews including a special niece and caregiver, JoAnne Ivey. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday in the Patton Avenue chapel of Groce Funeral Home with the Rev. Trey Doyle officiating. Burial will be at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Her family will receive friends at the funeral home one hour prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Hominy Baptist Church, 135 Candler School Road, Candler, NC 28715.