Nellie J. Russell Long, age 86, of Cunningham, died at 5:35 a.m. on Friday February 15, 2013 at Baptist Health of Paducah. She was a graduate of East Prairie High School in East Prairie, Mo., and Draughon’s Business College in Paducah. She was an underwriter for various insurance companies for over 30 years. Along with her late husband, Rev. L. Leon Long, she also helped pastor churches in Illinois, Oregon, Colorado, Arizona, Louisiana, Missouri and Kansas for over 36 years.

She is survived by her son; Travis M. Russell of Cunningham, Ky., one brother; Tommy Lee Smithson of Cunningham, Ky., and one daughter in-law; Susan Long of Quenemo, Kan. She is also survived by her four grandchildren; Stephanie Sloan and husband Rew of Franklin, Tenn., Jason S. Russell of Ashland City, Tenn., Amanda Bartholomey and husband Jeremy of Milan, Tenn., and Olive Trice of Kansas City, Mo., two great grandchildren; Hayden Claire Sloan and Gabrielle Bartholomey. She was preceded in death by her first husband; Amos F. Russell who died in 1945 and her second husband Rev. L. Leon Long, one son Randall H. Long. Her parents were Colie Lee and Bessie M. Hayden Smithson.

Graveside services for Nellie J. Russell Long will take place at the Curtis Cemetery in Norwood, Mo., at a later date.

Milner & Orr Funeral Home of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.

You may leave a message or light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com. Expressions of sympathy can take the form of contributions to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.