Gen Long, former Mission City Councilwoman and dedicated civic leader, passed away on February 2, 2025, at her home in Georgetown, Texas, surrounded by her loving husband, Bill, of 69 years, and family. She spent much of her life in Mission, Texas, and the Rio Grande Valley, where she worked tirelessly to improve her community.  Born in Madill, Oklahoma, to Jerome and Alice Savage, Gen grew up on a ranch, developing a deep-rooted passion for agriculture. That passion shaped her lifelong advocacy for agricultural families and policies. In 1957, she and Bill moved to the Rio Grande Valley when he was stationed at Moore Air Force Base for pilot training. After a brief relocation to Sherman, Texas, they returned to the Valley, where Bill became a flight instructor, and Gen devoted herself to raising their family and serving the community. Gen's commitment to agriculture led her to organize and empower the wives of local farmers and ranchers, eventually founding South Texas Agri-Women. Her vision expanded statewide when, in 1985, she drove across Texas, meeting with wives of timber workers, rice growers, and High Plains farmers. This effort culminated in the creation of Texas Agri-Women, a powerful organization that influenced state agricultural policies. With the support of Congressman Kika de la Garza, she connected Texas Agri-Women to the national American Agri-Women, where she later served as vice president. Her leadership in agriculture was recognized at the highest levels of government. Appointed by President George H.W. Bush to the Future Advisory Committee for Agriculture, she was reappointed by President Bill Clinton. Through extensive international travel, she studied global agricultural practices and led seminars empowering women to take active roles in promoting their businesses. Her advocacy played a key role in passing point-of-origin legislation, requiring foreign agricultural products to be labeled with their country of origin for consumer transparency. In 1988, the City of Mission honored her contributions with "Gen Long Day." She and Bill had made Mission their home in the 1980s so their daughters could attend Sharyland schools, and Gen quickly immersed herself in revitalizing the city. She played a major role in the restoration of downtown Mission, working first with Adela Ortega and later with the Mission Historical Commission. Alongside Bill, she helped purchase and restore 13 downtown buildings, including the iconic Border Theater, which became a venue for community and entertainment events. One of their most lasting contributions is the Tom Landry mural at 101 E. Tom Landry Boulevard, a tribute to the legendary Dallas Cowboys coach and Mission native. Painted in 1995 by artist Manuel Hinojosa, the mural continues to draw visitors to the city. The Longs also organized discovery trips for local business owners to see revitalization projects in other cities, inspiring further downtown renewal. During Gen's tenure on the Mission City Council, the city experienced significant growth, with the construction of a new City Hall, police and fire stations, Speer Memorial Library, and the Upper Valley Art League building. She was instrumental in helping the Art League establish its presence in Mission, which grew from 40 members to over 200. She also played a key role in transforming the old City Hall into the Mission Historical Museum, later expanding it to include the former post office with a connecting patio and butterfly garden. Her dedication to community and environmental conservation extended beyond Mission. She was named Mission Woman of the Year in 1990 and received numerous accolades, including Outstanding Young Woman of America (1972), Outstanding Personality of the South (1973), and recognition from the Frontera Audubon Society and National Audubon Society. She was listed in Who's Who in American Agriculture in 1990. Concerned about environmental challenges along the Rio Grande, President George H.W. Bush appointed her to an environmental council addressing water quality issues. She was a strong advocate for eco-tourism, working with Viola Espinosa to promote the Rio Grande Valley as a prime birding and nature destination. Her efforts contributed to the establishment of the World Birding Center and the National Butterfly Park, helping Mission become an internationally recognized eco-tourism hub. As her health declined, Gen and Bill relocated to Temple, Texas, to be closer to medical care. Though her physical presence in Mission ended, her legacy endures in the city's growth, agricultural policies, historic preservation, and environmental conservation efforts. A humble and generous leader, she touched countless lives, often without seeking recognition. Gen is survived by her beloved husband, Bill Long; daughters Jeannie Long, Tina Poenisch (Darryl) of Mesa, AZ, Athena Ponce (Michael) of Austin, Aurora Long (Ghazi Bsaibes) of Georgetown, and Crystal White (Joe) of Leander; three granddaughters; her brother, Basil Savage of Madill, OK; and sisters Ernestine Jones of Waco and Irene Walton of Celina. She was preceded in death by her son, William Gilmer Long IV, and her parents, Jerome and Alice Savage. Gen Long's passion, leadership, and generosity left an indelible mark on Mission, Texas, and beyond. Her spirit of service will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.

Memorials may be made to the National Butterfly Center, 3333 Butterfly Park Drive, Mission, TX 78572.