Elder Dana Wendell Long

Elder Dana Wendell Long was born March 26, 1957. He was the son of Stella Long and the late Charlie Long, Sr. He worked as an Orderly at Portsmouth General Hospital in the 1970s. Not only that, but he also was a security guard at the Tower Mall, now Victory Crossing, and worked as a truck driver with Office Max, delivering packages for many years, until his health began to failed and he retired. 

Elder Dana was the first African American to form a youth community band. They would march in parades with the assistance of his cousin, Juanita Whitney. This would lead him to becoming a member, at age of 17, of and later manager of the gospel group, The Golden Trumpets of Portsmouth. His special friend, Shirley Anderson later joined the group, who was instrumental in orchestrating the appreciation and benefit service for Elder Dana.

Elder Dana was a member of St. Paul Holiness Church for many years. There he served as associate pastor, under now Shepherd, Deniece Bullock.

He is survived by two sisters, Gwendolyn Williams of Cleveland, Ohio and Charlotte Small (John); two brothers, Randolph Long and Wallace Long of Cleveland, Ohio; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in his journey to rest by his father, Charlie Long, Sr.; brother, Charlie Long, Jr.; and Mary Lee Pierce.