Janet Ann (Gilley) Long

Janet Ann Long who resided in Dublin, MD went on to be with the Lord on February 28, 2025, with her daughter and grandson by her side.  She truly embodied the spirit of what it meant to be a good and faithful servant of the Lord. She never wavered in her faith and demonstrated the love of Jesus to all. Even in her final days, she was still witnessing the love of the Lord to everyone around her and was at peace knowing that the Lord was waiting for her.

She was the oldest of nine children born to the late Hunter F. Gilley, Sr. and Anna O. Gilley.  She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Willis C. Long, beloved daughter Penny Spilman and husband Jeff of Pylesville, MD, adored son Guy Willis Long of Bel Air, MD, grandson Zachary Willis Ross and wife Brooke and grandson Jacob Thomas Ross.  She adored her dog Zoe who will continue to watch over her husband and son.

She is survived by her sisters Ruth Johnson (Tom), Joan Sheedy (Jim) and brothers Leon Gilley and Randall Gilley.  She was preceded in death by her sister Beatrice Fekete, bothers Hunter Gilley, Jr and wife Grace, Richard Gilley and wife Hazel, and Roy Gene Gilley and wife Janet.

Janet was very thankful and excited when she started working for the US Government. She was a Human Resources Specialist with the US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense at Edgewood Arsenal for 40 years, retiring in 1996.  She was very proud of the work she performed every day.  She was loved by all that she worked with. She is proudest of her work in advancing the employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.  Coordinating with Harford County Public Schools, she worked to provide opportunities to disabled students to provide support to the US Army that was critical to accomplishing the Army mission.  She was recognized by the Governor’s office for her work for employing students with disabilities.  She was known for her huge heart and ability to understand the people she worked tirelessly to support within the Army medical research and development efforts.  She always went above and beyond to help others succeed.

Her son attended John Archer School in Churchville MD and she was very involved in his schooling.  She served as PTA President for several years, arranging fund raisers and activities to support the wonderful students and staff that worked tirelessly each day to provide the best for all.  Her dedication to her son was truly remarkable and she embodied the meaning of a Mother’s Love.

She met the love of her life, Willis, at the age of 18.  They were married in 1958 and lived in Alaska while Willis served in the Army.  It was the first time she had ever left the state of Maryland and away from her family.  They enjoyed their life together and were always there for each other.  She was especially thankful for him during her illness and the love that he bestowed on her, taking her to appointments and helping her manage each day.

She is most proud of her grandsons, Zachary and Jacob.  In her eyes, they could do no wrong.  She watched them during their early years before and after school and any time in between.  She looked forward to every holiday spending time with them and showering them with love and gifts!  She took them everywhere and if there was a toy they wanted, she got it. She documented their lives every step of the way in pictures.  Her grandsons were her greatest joy and her eyes would light up when they walked in the room.  She demonstrated to them the true meaning of unconditional love.

And finally, her daughter Penny.  Since I, Penny am writing this, I want to thank my mother for showering me with love my entire life.  She never left my side and would drop everything for me.  She was a warrior with a fierce spirit who would defend her family.  She showed me what it meant to be a mother, wife and child of God.  Throughout this journey with her I have seen a determination that is unmatched and a level of love that cannot be measured. I will truly miss our daily phone calls chatting about our day but will cherish every word and action.  She fought a hard battle to the end with positivity and love.  Rest in peace my dear momma and we will see you in Heaven.