Obituary of Kay Hilton Long

Kay Hilton Long, age 81, died on June 20, 2022 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Ms. Long was born on November 24, 1940 in Union County, North Carolina to the late Linda Fry Hilton and Willie Wriston Hilton. 

She graduated High School from Benton Heights in Monroe and attended Queens College in Charlotte. Ms. Long spent most of her adult life volunteering and serving on various boards with many organizations such as the Children’s Theater of Charlotte, the NC Jaycees, the Chapel Hill Service League, and the USTA NC Junior Tennis State Tournament. She was an active member of University United Methodist Church, serving as a Stephen’s Minister for many years. Kay loved playing tennis, listening to Eric Clapton, and cheering on the Tar Heels. Most important to her was “Mommy Kay’s” love of her children, grandchildren, friends, and God.

She is survived by her sons; Jerald Brooks Long, Jr. of Wake Forest, and Michael Richardson Long, his wife Karyn Jane Long, of Cary; and daughter, Elizabeth Long O’Connell, and her husband, Thomas Patrick O’Connell, of Chapel Hill. Mommy Kay is also survived by her five grandchildren, Avery (wife Kirsten), Emma, and Brooks Long as well as Finn and Harper O’Connell, all of whom she loved dearly.

A celebration of Kay’s life will be held at 1:00pm on Sunday, July 24 at University United Methodist Church in Chapel Hill. Following the service, the Long and O’Connell families will receive friends and family at 411 West Italian Cafe, also in Chapel Hill. 

Memorials can be made to University United Methodist Church, 150 East Franklin Street, Chapel Hill, NC 27514 or the charity of your choice. Walker’s Funeral Home of Chapel Hill is honored to serve Kay Long’s family.