JoAnn Normanly-Long, 89, of Oxford, Mississippi passed away on Monday, March 23, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, May 16, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church in Grenada.

JoAnn graced this world with her presence on December 04, 1936, in Los Angeles, California as a daughter of the late John Francis Normanly and Dolores Steinberg Normanly, along with her twin brother, John.

JoAnn Normanly-Long lived a life marked by creativity, connection, and a deep devotion to the people and places she loved. She passed from this world leaving behind a legacy of beauty, compassion, and enduring relationships that will continue to shape the lives of those who knew her.

From an early age, JoAnn possessed a remarkable creative spirit, one that found expression in every facet of her life. Whether through the spaces she cultivated, the relationships she nurtured, or the quiet ways she brought comfort and inspiration to others, she had an innate ability to create beauty that was both tangible and lasting. Her appreciation for life’s details was matched only by her desire to share them with others.

JoAnn ’s strong sense of community was rooted deeply in the values instilled in her by her parents. She attended high school at Marlborough School and UCLA, where she was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority. JoAnn found meaningful ways to become involved, to give back, and to build connections. Her presence was a steady and reassuring one, marked by kindness, attentiveness, and genuine care for others. As a member of the Junior League of Los Angeles, she brought her organizational and administrative skills to establish and manage the first childcare center at the USC/LA County Children’s hospital. JoAnn also served as a docent to the Music Center in Los Angeles. She was affectionately known as a professional volunteer.

She carried on with her journey in the North Lake Tahoe area, where she continued to grow both personally and professionally. JoAnn built a career in property management and served for many years as the Manager for the Northstar Property Owners Association. Her love for exploration carried her far beyond, as she traveled extensively throughout the United States and the world, including journeys to China, Peru, Brazil, and across Europe. These experiences enriched her perspective and deepened her appreciation for culture, people, and the shared human experience.

Above all else, JoAnn ’s greatest joy and proudest role was that of a mother. Her five children, lovingly known as “The Wonders,” were the center of her world and the focus of her unwavering love and devotion. She poured herself into their lives, guiding them with wisdom, encouraging them with grace, and celebrating them with boundless pride.

JoAnn also treasured her lifelong friendships, holding them close and tending to them with the same care and intentionality that defined all her relationships. While living in Melbourne, Florida, she and her husband were actively involved with Community of Hope, a transitional housing program in Brevard County. After moving to Oxford, JoAnn was a faithful participant in the Explorers Bible Study Group, where her spiritual life continued to grow and where she found both fellowship and purpose. An avid reader, she found joy in learning, reflection, and the quiet moments that books so often provide.

JoAnn Normanly-Long will be remembered for the beauty she created, the community she built, and the love she so freely gave. Her life stands as a testament to the power of creativity, compassion, and connection, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

JoAnn leaves behind an expansive family to continue walking the path of life in her absence. She is survived by five children: J. Christopher Long (Anne) of Monrovia, California; Timothy J. Long (Debbie Abernathy) of Woodland, California; Allison M. Moore (Jonathan) of Grenada, Mississippi; Victoria S. Long (Kelly Semprich) of Lakewood, Colorado; and Andrew Long (Tami) of Lincoln, California. She is also remembered by sixteen grandchildren: Charlotte Woodcock (Jonathan), Emily Kimball (Trevor), Nick Long (Jasmine), Olivia Long, Mackenzie Long (Sam Read), Jennifer Rosales (Victor), Jackson Long, Ben Moore (Paulette), Jesse Moore, Bethany Moore, Aidan Moore, Tristan Moore (Emma), Steven Mitchell (Olivia), Abby Long, Hailey Miller, and Allie Miller. In addition, JoAnn is survived by one great-grandson, Henry Kimball, and a host of dearly loved friends and family.

JoAnn was preceded in death by her parents, John Francis Normanly and Dolores Steinberg Normanly; her husband, Donald Joseph Long; and three siblings: Beverly Koppe, Dr. Jerrod Normanly, and her twin brother, John Normanly.