Jamie Longley

Jamie Leta Stillions Longley, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2023, at the age of eighty-eight with family by her side.  She was born on April 10, 1935, in Clarksdale, Mississippi.

Jamie leaves behind three daughters; Susan, Lisa and husband Daryl, Elizabeth and husband Wayne; one son, John and wife Wendy, along with nine grandchildren, two great grandchildren and countless nieces and nephews.  She married the late John Daniel “Dan” Longley on September 14, 1957, and had an amazing and loving marriage.  She now joins Dan, her two sisters, mother, and father in heaven. 

She was a true southern belle attending both Randolf Macon University and Ole’ Miss. She graduated with a degree in journalism and worked at a young age in that field.  She also spent time as a social worker providing guidance and care for those in need.  One of her many accomplishments in life was founding and running Preschool Music, Inc. in the 1980s.  The company allowed her to share her love of music with thousands of children in the Tampa Bay Area, enriching their lives.  Her love for children and education extended beyond Pre-school Music as she volunteered at Ozona Elementary School, among others, for over 15 years.

Jamie was also a long-time member and sustainer in the Junior League of Dunedin and Clearwater where she continued to serve the community through the organization’s charities.  She was a founding member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Clearwater and donated her father’s bell to the church which still rings beautifully in the bell tower.  She also attended St. Alfred’s Episcopal Church in Dunedin.  She made lifelong friends at both churches while celebrating her faith.

Throughout her life she was an avid football fan, rooting for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sundays in Tampa Stadium and cheering for FSU, USF, and Ole Miss on Saturdays.  And she was passionate about tennis.  She never missed the opportunity to watch a major tournament and enjoyed every match.

She and Dan enjoyed all the benefits of living most of their lives in Florida.  From long trips on their many house and sail boats to simply watching sunsets and having friends and family enjoy pool parties at their home in Ozona, Florida, they soaked in the sun.  She also loved traveling with her family, taking trips around the country and world.  From simple day trips to church retreats, to worldly destinations, there was always a next adventure planned.

All who had the good fortune of knowing Jamie referred to her as kind, graceful, caring, bright, and witty.  This was true to the very end of her full and wonderful life.  She will be dearly missed by all who had the benefit of knowing her.

The family appreciates the outpouring of love, prayers, and sympathy.  In lieu of flowers or gifts please donate to Jamie’s favorite charity, Heifer International, at Giving in Honor | Heifer International. 

A celebration of life is to be determined with more information to be provided to friends and relatives at a later date. In the meantime, strive to be as kind and caring as Jamie Longley, and hug your mother.

The very proud to be family of Jamie Longley.