Joy Esther Jackson Long, 83, passed away on July 22nd, 2022 at Roger Williams Hospital of natural causes. Joy Long was born on July 11th, 1939 in Hammond, LA to the late Charles Jackson and Ester Lee Velma Stanley Jackson Spain.
Joy graduated from Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA in 1963 with a bachelor's degree in Home Economics. She also graduated from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island with a Culinary Arts Advanced Degree.
Joy started her teaching career in Lyons, Ga. at Lyons Industrial High School. She moved to Providence, RI In 1969 where she continued her career. She worked at George J. West Middle School, and Roger Williams Middle School but her heart and soul belonged to Central High School where she worked for 29 years until she retired in 2005.
In 1987 Joy was presented with the National Teacher of the Year Award making her the 1st African American teacher to be awarded such a high accolade in the state of Rhode Island.
Joy long was actively involved in the community working with several organizations such as St.Martin De Porres Senior Center, where she provided dinners for the elderly community. She also created a summer youth program to help inner-city teens learn a new trade.
In 1976 Joy helped create the George Long Chapter log #69 of the Martha Grand Chapter of the Eastern Stars. She joined New Life Baptist Church where she cherished praising the lord. Outside of family, friends, and cooking Joy's other passion was bowling, through this passion she created Midway Bowling League as well as several other leagues. She was also an honorary member of the Flaming Knights Motorcycle club as well as a member of the Central Knights Alumni.
Joy leaves behind two sisters Vanzie Jackson of Dallas, Tx, and Joyce Marie Jackson of Bentwood, California. One sister-in-law Alice Jackson of Hammond, La. Three daughters Adrian Rochelle Cox and Renne’ Yevette Long both of Providence, RI, and Sandy Dorneise Long of Dallas, Tx.
She also leaves behind nine Grandchildren, Lekecia D. Cox, Roy D. Bolden, Royier D. Bolden, Michael E. Beasley Jr., Dion J. Baker, Racquel A. Cox, Nicole J. Beasley, Jasmine L. Long, and Deondre Raquan Jackson.
Eight Great Grandchildren Brielle M. Cox, Brionna T. Cox, Thomas A Newsom III, Andrew P. Newsom, Andre J. Newsom, Aaden Freeman, Raheem J. Nije, and Kevon Ballanceau-Bolden
Three Great Great Grandchildren, Authur E. Logan Jr., Azir T. Logan, and Chantelle Margo Joy Justin all of Providence, RI. As well as a host of nieces, nephews, Great and Great Greats, Cousins and Godchildren.
She was preceded in death by her sister the late Audrey Charles Jackson Watson O’Bear, her brother Willie Grant Jackson her sister DelIie Ann Spain Reed, and Claudette Jackson.
Joy Long will be missed by a host of family, friends, educators, students, and local and state officials who cherish this remarkable woman. She will forever be the Community's Grandma!


Visitation will be held on August 1st in the Keefe Funeral Home, Five Higginson Ave. Lincoln from 2pm-5pm. Burial will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana.