Long, Lynn Calmes

Evelyn “Lynn” Calmes Long, of Warm Hearth Village in Blacksburg, Virginia, died on August 8, 2023. Evelyn was born on April 26, 1928, to William Calmes and Evelyn Scarlett Black in Washington, D.C., and grew up in Virginia and Maryland.

She graduated from Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland in 1946. Lynn was the first woman on her mother’s side of the family to attend college. She attended Madison College in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) in 1951 with a B.S. in Biology.

Lynn was married to Donald B. Barnes in 1949. She worked in research at Merck, Sharpe, & Dohme in Rahway, New Jersey from 1957 to 1960. She married Robert A. Long in 1960. In 1982 she earned an A.A.S. Degree in Accounting from Somerset County College in Somerville, New Jersey. Before retiring she worked for twelve years in accounting at Crum & Foster Insurance Company.

Evelyn Long is survived by her children Robin Speer, Deborah Long, and Jeffrey Long and his wife Nancy. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Scott Speer and his wife Amber, Shawn Long, Stephanie Long, Cory Long and his wife Haylee, and Jessica Long and her husband John MacGregor, and by eight great-grandchildren.

Lynn was an active member of the High Bridge Reformed Church in High Bridge, New Jersey. After her retirement in 1993, she volunteered at an interfaith food pantry and the Meals on Wheels program. In later years she moved to Blacksburg, Virginia, and was an active member of Northside Presbyterian Church, including serving as an Elder and on the Fellowship Committee.

Lynn loved dancing all her life. She began square dancing in the early 1960s and soon after began round dancing. For twelve years she was a round dance teacher and leader.

Lynn was known for her love of nature and enjoyed bird watching, gardening, and hiking throughout her life. She enjoyed traveling, especially a trip to Scotland in 1990. Scotland was the home of many of her ancestors. Lynn collected family history information and regularly participated in the gatherings Calmes Family Association and the Versailles Genealogical Society.

A memorial service will held on Monday, August 28th at 10 am at Northside Presbyterian Church, 1017 Progress St, NW, Blacksburg, VA 24060.

Memorials may be made to: Northside Presbyterian Church, 1017 Progress St, NW, Blacksburg, VA 24060.