Martha Jo Long

Martha "Jo "Long , 91, of Indianapolis, departed this life on Monday, July 3, 2023, at her home, surrounded by loved ones. Jo was born in Unicoi, Tennessee, on January 24, 1932, to the late Jess Hopson and Rebecca Luttrell Hopson. She graduated from Unicoi High School in 1950. She attended East Tennessee State University, where she majored in Education and played on the women’s basketball team. At the age of 20, she married and started her life as a military wife. She lived in such places as Okinawa, Asmara, Eritrea, Frankfurt, Germany, Columbus, GA, Tacoma, WA, and San Antonio, TX. 

She was an elementary school teacher and specialized in early childhood development. She was instrumental in opening the first Preschool and Kindergarten classes associated with the American School in Asmara, Eritrea. In addition, she was the Director of the Fort Harrison Kindergarten and Preschool for six years. Jo facilitated the opening of the Graham Rd. Kindercare, which she later managed. She taught prekindergarten and kindergarten at Tabernacle Christian Academy from 2002 to 2009. In addition she was an active member of the Tabernacle church. Prior to retirement, she taught preschool at The Goddard School in Carmel.

Jo was a devoted mother and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, working out, and walking, including the Race for the Cure and The Mini Marathon. She enjoyed cooking meals and baking for family and friends. One of her favorite pastimes was traveling, especially to the beach.

Jo was a warm, gentle, and kind person that everyone loved to be around. She was always willing to help anyone out in any way she was able. Her smile would light up a room. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her four sisters, Mildred Harris, Pansy Garland, Irene Conley, and Mary Kay Hopson; her four brothers, Vestal Hopson, Charlie Hopson, Jess Hopson Jr., and Ronnie Hopson; and the father of her two children, Robert B. Long Sr.

Jo is survived by her daughter Kathy Campbell (Chris) of Indianapolis and son Robert B. Long Jr. of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren Chiara Michelle Westphal (Philip) and Ryan Long; great-grandchildren Austin, Grayson, and Maeve Westphal and Eva Long; and brother Ted Hopson of Unicoi, TN.

Always loved, always missed, and so very dear. 

A prvivate memorial celebration is arranged. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a contribution in Jo’s memory to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA), P.O. Box 32141, New York, NY 10087-2141, give.ocrahope.org