Obituary
Sue Margaret “Momma Sue” Pope Long, born in 1931, Momma Sue was 93 years young when the Lord welcomed her in Paradise January 14, 2025.
Born to parents Rex and Hazel Leona “Lee” Pope in Anderson, Indiana, raised with her brother William “Bill” Pope, whom she idolized, Sue went to Anderson High School, and continued her education in Missouri to attend a “Girls school” returning to Indiana to attend Indiana University, She loved teaching Home Economics however her dream of having a child of her own, a miracle becoming a reality, ended her teaching career. Soon after, a son was adopted into the family. She never could stay still so she was always busy in activities with the First United Methodist Church, Girl Scout Leader and other community activities and entertaining alongside her husband.
With all this going on, a seed was growing inside of her that was planted years before. Everyone on this earth has been given a mission. How this is met and served is influenced and directed by a person’s free will. Sue discovered her ultimate mission in life after moving to San Francisco, California with her first husband Robert “Bob” Tranbarger during the Korean War and she pursued it with dedication and determination for a lifetime. Joining the John Birch Society in 1961, a non-partisan civics and education organization.
Moving back to Anderson, Indiana she formed a very active JBS Chapter and opened and ran the American Opinion Bookstore on East 8th Street. Molotov Cocktails and constant ridicule never wavered her determination to educate about the dangers our country faced and how we can protect and restore American freedom, independence, and our God-given rights.
Sue lived in Anderson, Indiana until 1976. After attending classes at Indiana Business College, she moved to Boston, Massachusetts to work at the Headquarters of the John Birch Society.
She was the secretary to John “Jack” F. McManus, also a Patriot Activist, becoming lifelong friends fighting together to safeguard the US Constitution. Because she was working there she was privileged to spend many long hours with the Founder of the John Birch Society Robert Welch, exchanging ideas.
She met the love of her life Richard (Rich) Long and started a new life living in Cambridge, Massachusetts, then traveling and putting down stakes in Maine, Arizona and settling down finally in Virginia.
In Virginia Sue was blessed to move close to her daughter, granddaughter and grandson. She then inherited a new granddaughter, four great-granddaughters when her a new son came into her life. More joy followed with the arrival of four great-great grand-children.
No matter where Sue was, she was always contributing to JBS, in touch with Headquarters battling the protection of the Constitution, to include joining a team dedicated to changing the New American Magazines to digital formats. She also once again found herself as the leader of a JBS Chapter in Mathews County, Virginia until her move to Lady Lake, Florida, where she became the Secretary of an established Chapter at the age of 92. She continued to send email alerts regarding legislation and current issues.
She has always been a true American Patriot, never wavering in her love of God and Country. Her understanding of our God-given freedoms, and the importance of keeping America’s sovereignty was always reflected in her words, her actions, her encouragement and her compassion for others. Her light was never hidden but was always shining brightly to serve God.
She will be inurned July 22, 2025, in Bar Harbor, Maine resting next to her beloved husband Richard C Long. Surviving to cherish her memory are her daughter Terry Tranbarger (Sean) Devlin, Florida; son Jon Tranbarger, California; step-daughters Julie Long (Jerry) Kilber, Texas and Debbie Long (Mark) Tompson, New Hampshire; granddaughters Christina Wood, Michelle Devlin Blair, both of Virginia; five great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; nephews Michael Pope, David Pope; niece DiAnne Pope, all of Indiana and a host of loving family and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Rex and Hazel Leona “Lee” Smith Pope; and brother William Pope.
We honor your life by keeping your spirit alive in our hearts and actions. Arrangements entrusted with BALDWIN BROTHERS Funeral & Cremation Society-Spanish Springs, 352-430-1449. Sentiments are encouraged at www.baldwincremation.com.
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