Cheryl Long, 77, of Boynton Beach, Fla., and Banner
Elk, N.C., passed away at Boca Regional Hospital on June
17, 2023.
Born Nov. 4, 1945, in Hays, to Lester and
Beulah (North) Irvin, Cheryl spent her childhood outside
of Hays on her parents' farm, where her never-ending love
of the land was rooted. She graduated from Hays High
School in 1963. It was there and at Hays United
Methodist Church that she and her future husband,
James, began to share their lifelong passion for music.
She then attended the New England Conservatory of
Music in Boston, graduating in 1968 with a Bachelor of
Music degree in Vocal Performance. On July 21 of that
year, she married James Allen Long—a marriage that lasted
just one month shy of their 55th anniversary.
After graduate studies in Bloomington, Ind., Cheryl and
Jim moved to Broward County, Fla., in 1973 where they
resided until they relocated to Palm Beach County in
2013. It was then they began to split their time between
homes in Boynton Beach and Banner Elk.
During their 40 years in Broward County, Cheryl
established a private voice studio, becoming a highly
sought out teacher, adjudicator and clinician. Many of her
students went on to achieve notable successes as
teachers/educators, performers in regional and Broadway musical productions, and at national and international
concert venues.
Following retirement as a voice teacher in 2013,
Cheryl successfully channeled her artistry into the
painting medium, particularly watercolor. Her unique
expressions were on display in galleries in Banner Elk.
Cheryl had a deep abiding faith, which was daily
reflected in her actions with those who came to know and
love her. Proceeding in her death were her parents and
her brother, Stanley. Left to cherish her memory are her
husband, James, sons Craig, his wife Carolyn and
precious granddaughter Megan of Boynton Beach, and
Douglas of New York City, as well as numerous nieces,
nephews and cousins.
A memorial Service will be at Church of the
Palms, 1960 N. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach at 11 a.m. July
15. A subsequent service will be at
Banner Elk Presbyterian Church at a later date. In lieu of
flowers, the family requests donations be made to
feedingaveryfamilies.org in North Carolina benefiting her
beloved mountain community.