Joanne Florence (Esper) Long, a longtime resident of Kingsley, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her residence on Thursday, April 21, 2022.  She was born in Dearborn, Michigan, on June 20, 1931. She was the daughter of the late Leo J. and Bernadine Esper. She attended Sacred Heart Church and School from kindergarten through 12th grade, where she was an exceptional student, and graduated in 1949.

She met her husband, John Long, while working at Studebaker Motor Company on Michigan Avenue, in Wayne, Michigan.  As the story goes, after a few dates, Joanne piped up to John...."Well, are you ever gonna ask me to marry you?"  The next day they were engaged, and proceeded to have five children, approximately one child every two years, Jeffery, David, Constance, Steven, and Lisa.  They lived off of Weithoff Court in Inkster where Jeffery, David, and Connie were born.  They then moved to Livonia where Steven and Lisa were born.

John went to work for his stepfather Ernest Schoech on Ford Road in Westland, Michigan, and that is how the family sign business got started.  Joanne worked on and off in the business, but mostly was a stay-at-home Mother.  Joanne and John followed their dream to raise their children and move "up North."  They realized this dream in 1971 when they bought 40 acres on Rahe Road, built a very nice home, and built/moved the sign business to M113 in Kingsley.  An amazing accomplishment in two years for two people in their forties!   The oldest son, Jeff, chose to remain downstate, the other four children residing in Kingsley.  As the children grew older, Joanne returned to work with John for over twenty years.  Joanne continued working after losing John in 1996, but still kept the business going with her son David. Joanne retired but remained the "Matriarch" for Scheck Sign right up until her recent passing.

Joanne was a wonderful Wife, Mother, cook, and homemaker. Joanne had a bright, sunny, pleasant, go-with-the-flow kind of personality, a great laugh and sense of humor.  Unless you messed up her routine, broke her daily snack crackers, or if you made her late to her weekly hair appointment!! Then ooooh look out!!  She was so pleasant and outgoing with everyone and a joy to be around.  She will be deeply missed by family and all who knew her.

Joanne is survived by: children, Jeffery (Karen) Long of Canton, David Long of Mesick, Constance Recker, of Traverse City, and Lisa Long, of Livonia; grandchildren, Daniel Recker, Timothy (Sara) Recker and great-grandson Finn, Dylan Monteith, Matthew Long, and Emily Recker.

She was preceded in death by her husband John in 1996, and son, Steven J. in February 2020.

Mass from the Order of Christian Funerals will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 30, 2022, at St. Mary of Hannah Catholic Church with Father Joe Muskzkiewicz celebrant. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery, in Kingsley, with a luncheon to follow.  A celebration of Joanne's life will take place from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Friday, April 29, 2022, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Kingsley Chapel.  Friends may also call from 10:00 AM until time of Mass at the church on Saturday.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Kingsley Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com