Tonette Taylor Long

We remember with fondness and love, Tonette Taylor Long, whose warmth and kindness brightened the lives of those she met.  Tonette entered into the presence of the Lord on January 15, 2025, at age 85, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and heart disease.  She was surrounded with her family in her home in Auburn, Alabama.  She is survived by her son, Michael Gordon Bond, her brother D.C. “Buddy” Long, and her granddaughter Emma Grace Bond.  She was preceded in death by her three husbands, Gordon Crews Bond, Milton Thomas Inge, and Paul Von Ward. 

Daughter of Antone “Tony” Garcia Long and Ruth Nell Taylor Long, Taree Tonette Long was born on August 25, 1939, in Lakeland, Florida.  She was a graduate of Mars Hill College, Auburn University, and Florida State University where she received multiple degrees in Business, French, and English, and where she developed a passion for writing and the Arts.  Her first love was teaching, and she taught English Literature at multiple institutions from 1974 to 1982.  She was an excellent teacher and loved by her students.   Always searching for new inspiration, she left teaching to join the nonprofit Delphi International Group, where she ascended to President before leaving in 1996.  She loved travel, fine dining, shopping, music, art museums, and the mission of her work at Delphi where she was a tremendous success. 

After relocating from Washington DC to Ashland, OR she taught at Southern Oregon University where she enjoyed Shakespeare Theatre, hiking in the mountains, snow skiing, gardening, poetry, and rowing.  In 2006 she relocated to Dahlonega, GA to be close to her son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter.  There she resumed teaching at the University of North Georgia until 2015 when Alzheimer’s pushed her to retirement.  Prior to retiring she enjoyed spending time with her granddaughter, traveling, writing, apple picking, poetry, community projects, and gardening with her family, close friends, and beloved husband Paul.  Despite her busy career she was always there when needed and was a rock for her family. 

Tonette’s kindness, sense of humor, and loving nature will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Red Cross to help victims of recent fires in California and other tragedies.  https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/

A grave side service will be held at Memorial Cemetery in Dahlonega, GA on January 25, 2025 at 1pm.