1927-2023
It is with sadness that we share the passing of Martha “Martie” M. Long May 6, 2023. She joined the Messiah faculty in 1964 and served as assistant professor of English for 29 years. Upon retirement she was bestowed the honor of assistant professor emerita of English. She also represented Messiah while teaching at Daystar University in Nairobi in 1987. In addition to teaching at Messiah and at Daystar, Martie taught at the Brethren in Christ Navajo Mission School for four years; in Southern Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) for two years; and at Cumberland Valley Junior High for two-and-a-half years.
Her former colleague, Paul Nisly (professor emeritus of English), said, “Martie taught a number of different courses in the Language, Literature, and Fine Arts Department (as it was then known). She was totally loyal, faithful, hardworking and completely dependable. She cared deeply about her students and made a special effort to help international students to adjust to their new environment. Never a showy person, Martie lived her deep Christian faith and served her students and faculty colleagues with devoted care.”
We are grateful for her lifelong commitment to teaching and take comfort in knowing this humble servant has safely arrived at home with the Lord.