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Carolyn Elizabeth Bason Long, widow of United States Senator Russell B. Long (D-La.), passed away in her sleep on July 27, 2015 at her Bethesda, Maryland home. She was 92. Carolyn Elizabeth Bason was born December 1, 1922, in Caswell County, North Carolina, to Samuel Murphy Bason and Martha Eliza (Marnie) Hatchett Bason. Her father was a former North Carolina state senator and the president of the Bank of Yanceyville, N.C., and her mother was a homemaker. In addition to Carolyn, the Basons had two other children, William Hatchett and Dorothy Helen, both of which preceded her in death. In 1943, Carolyn completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Secretarial Administration from the Woman's College of the University of North Carolina in Greensboro. Upon graduation, she was employed at Duke University, and in January 1945, she relocated to Washington, D.C. to work as an office assistant for North Carolina Senator Clyde R. Hoey. In 1951, she transferred from the Senate Civil Service to the U.S. Dept. of the Navy's Eastern Atlantic Military Assistance Program Advisory Group and spent the next two years stationed in London and Frankfurt. She returned stateside in 1953 and resumed work in Senator Hoey's office until his death in 1954. Hoey was succeeded by Samuel J. Ervin, and Carolyn remained on his staff as his personal secretary for many years. On December 23, 1969, Carolyn Bason married Louisiana Senator Russell B. Long, who preceded his wife in death in 2003. During her tenure in Washington D.C., Mrs. Long devoted much of her time to charitable and cultural causes, particularly in promoting historic preservation and the performing arts. She was a member of the International Neighbors Club and the Red Cross unit of the Senate Wives. She served as an officer of the Ladies of the United State Senate and the Congressional Club, and held board positions on the Wolf Trap Foundation, the District of Columbia Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the United States Botanic Gardens. Long was an advocate for improving the quality of living and healthcare for the elderly and received the Better Life Award from the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in 1983. She was also a booster for the State of Louisiana, frequently visiting to lend her support to educational and cultural enterprises. She is survived by her five nieces and nephews: Carolyn (Lyn) Cumming Hart of Bethesda, MD, Sarah (Sally) Marion Bason of Reidsville, NC, John James Burke of Cincinnati, OH, William Hatchett Bason of Martinsville, VA, and Samuel Clark Bason of Palm Springs, CA. The family is grateful for the many years of loyal service and friendship provided to Carolyn by her loving and devoted caregivers Marina Osorio and Myrna Tiwari as well as her longtime driver and friend, Arthur Worrell (dec). A funeral service will be held at National Presbyterian Church, 4101 Nebraska Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016 on Thursday, July 30, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. Friends are invited to join the family to celebrate Carolyn's life at a reception immediately following the service at National Presbyterian Church in the Court of Flags. A service of interment and burial will be held at Yanceyville Presbyterian Church in Yanceyville, NC on Saturday, August 1, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be William Hatchett Bason of Martinsville, VA, Samuel Clark Bason of Palm Springs, CA, John James Burke, Jr. of Cincinnati, OH, John Glenn Cumming, IV of Vero Beach, FL, James Martin Hart of Vero Beach, FL, Russell Long Mosely of Baton Rouge, LA, Kris Kirkpatrick of Baton Rouge LA, and Charles Worrell of Washington, DC. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation or to the Alzheimer's Association. Relatives and friends are invited to visit www.josephgawlers.com for additional information.
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Mrs. Long was a special person to my father, Arthur Worrell. Mr. & Mrs. Long holds a special love in our families heart.
Donna Hall
Friend
August 11, 2020
Carolyn and the whole Bason family were such a happy part of my childhood. I adored Miss Marnie, Carolyn and Dot. They were loving, kind and generous neighbors. I can still hear the laughter coming from that stately home
Jane Westridge
Friend
July 22, 2020
Carolyn Long was a lovely lady and wonderful to work with and for. I was very lucky to know and love her.
Carol Speer
Baton Rouge, LA
August 13, 2015
Carolyn was a dear friend for many years. We shared some exciting trips and memories. My family is blessed to have known both Carolyn and Russell.
Sharon Oxford
August 6, 2015
Carolyn was the epitome of a Southern Lady...just like her Mother, our neighbor, Miss Marnie. She was loving and she was loved. I recall her raspy voice and laughter...a happy memory.
Jane Lyday Westridge
August 5, 2015
She was the gracious Southern Lady who always made this summer hire Carolina student welcome (1965-66) in Senator Ervin's Office. A debt of gratitude I never got the chance to repay. Deepest sympathies to the family for a great loss. A fond farewell to a resolute and bright spirit.
August 2, 2015
Losing a loved one to death is such a sad and painful thing to experience. I hope you find comfort in this thought; God will soon swallow up death forever, And wipe away the tears from all faces!
July 31, 2015
Whenever Carolyn was in Yanceyville in the early 1970's she would visit my grandmother Mary Norcott Pemberton in the nursing home. Both women had traveled and read and my grandmother treasured these visits. I was so grateful to Carolyn for this. She was a truly generous and kind person.
Norcott Pemberton
July 31, 2015
Sweet Carolyn, all the memories of you and your family packed away in my heart.
Love,
Nancy Page Dunn
July 31, 2015
She was a great lady and her and the Senator's love affair was really something quite special. What a wonderful person and we both loved North Carolina and its fine people.
I am sure she is glad to join Russell now.
David Hardee
July 30, 2015
My sincere condolence to the Long family. Please know that God loves you and is not far from you during this difficult time.
July 30, 2015
Senator Russell Long and Mrs. Long has been part of our family, Worrell's for over 25 years or longer. My Father, Arthur Worrell loved and cared for them both. My Father would keep the family inform of the Longs health and well being. Mrs. Long to my father was pure love and friendship. Even when he was sick before his hospital stay, he would make arrangement with Charles Worrell to look after Mrs. Long when he couldn't. We will miss her, but will not be forgotten.
Donna W. Hall (Washington, DC)
July 30, 2015
Carolyn Long was always a joy to be around. She laughed a lot and that was contagious . I enjoyed seeing her at the Senate spouse events. I am so sorry I cannot be at the church tomorrow but I leaned about her death today and I have an important doctor's appointment that conflicts.
Lynda Bird Johnson Robb
lynda Robb
July 29, 2015
I met her after I left Senator Long's staff and used to see her from time to time in D.C. and La. She was one of the most hospitable, gracious and thoughtful persons I ever met, as well as enormously capable. I know she brought much happiness to Senator Long.
Wendell Lindsay, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
July 29, 2015
Carolyn and my mother, Louise Atwater of Yanceyville, were life long friends...I recall the many times my mother spoke so very fondly of her friend and schoolmate...one of the truest treasures from NC and Caswell County will be sorely missed.
Chip Atwater
July 29, 2015
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