Ophelia Thomas

Ophelia Long Thomas, age 94 was born in Gainesville, Alabama on March 12, 1930, to the late Joseph Long Sr. and Hattie Winston-Long. She was the youngest of nine children and affectionately known as “Rabbit.” Ophelia was a proud mother of five children: William Patrick, Billy Long, Patsy Hunter, Johnny Thomas, and Patricia Thomas. 

She moved to Dayton, Ohio at the age of 12 and lived with her cousin Oretha Steele. She began working at Good Samaritan Hospital at just 15 years old and spent 40 years of dedicated service there, working as a Secretary in the Dietary Department. Every year, she looked forward to gathering with her former coworkers for lunch with the “girls” at Golden Corral to reminisce and catch up.

Ophelia took the initiative to further her education by attending computer classes, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning and self-improvement.

Ophelia loved her family and God. She committed her life to Christ at a very young age. In her adult years, after moving to Dayton, Ohio she joined Mount Olive Baptist Church where she became a faithful member of the choir, served as the former Secretary for the Mass choir for years, and was an active Sunday School member. Her favorite scripture was Psalms 23. 

Ophelia enjoyed exercising by line dancing at the Ellison Center and Greater Dayton Recreation Center and was given the nickname “Motor Hips.” She also loved watching her favorite TV shows, including Wheel of Fortune, The Price is Right, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Family Feud, and the soaps The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful.

Ophelia’s greatest joy was spending time with her family, playing games, and enjoying "real" good food. She always taught her family to “hold their heads up high and be dignified” no matter the circumstances.

Ophelia transitioned from this life peacefully to be in the presence of the Lord on February 25, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents; (4) sisters; Deloris Long, Susie Long Steele, Mary Long Lewis, Martha Long Demery, (4) brothers; Joseph Long Jr., Levie Long, Willie James Long, and Eugene Long; (1) grandson, Roland Leslie Patrick and (3) step siblings.

Ophelia was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She was the matriarch of her family and leaves an amazing legacy which includes a loving family to cherish her memories; her (2) daughters Patsy Hunter and Patricia Thomas of Dayton, OH: brother, Retired Master Gunnery Sergeant M.C. Long of San Ramon, CA; (8) grandchildren; Jowana Lewis, Eugene Thomas and Lywonda Thomas of Dayton, OH, Rita Torres (Robert) of GA, Faye Patrick McClendon, Doug Patrick (Linda), and Marcus Danielle Patrick (Erica) of Alabama, Shawn Thomas of OH; (25) great-grandchildren; (30) great-great grandchildren; (5) nieces; Ruth Joshua and Annie Joshua of Detroit, MI, Sharon Burney (Henry) of Alabama, Charlotte Vaughns (Thomas) of San Ramon, CA,  Jacqueline Long of Oakland, CA; (1) nephew Cleophus Long (Faye) of Detroit, MI; (2) devoted daughter-in laws; Barbara Long of Dayton, OH and Alberta “Honey” Patrick of Alabama; (5) step siblings; lifelong friends; Mary Young, Mary Simmons, Barbara Bell, and Mildred Taylor, and a host of great nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

Funeral services 11 am Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 502 Pontiac Ave., Dayton, OH. Visitation 10 am- 11 am at which time family will receive friends.  Interment Woodland Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to House of Wheat Funeral Home.

Livestream link:  www.mtoliveofdayton.org/church-online/

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