In Loving Memory of Rev. Dr. Janet Long

The Reverend Doctor Janet A. Long, 67, of Elyria, Ohio, died unexpectedly in her sleep at her home on Tuesday, March 26, 2024.

A beloved 3rd Generation lifelong Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) minister, she retired as Senior Pastor of Washington Avenue Christian Church, Elyria, in 2018. Long was elected Moderator of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) for a two-year term from 1995 – 1997.

A pioneer among women in ministry, Long was the first graduate from her class at Brite Divinity School to be called to a pastoral position, and the only female to ever achieve this coveted honor. Her first position was the Senior Pastor of Clyde Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Clyde, Ohio. In 1985, she was called to be the Senior Pastor of Washington Avenue Christian Church in Elyria, Ohio in an era when women typically were not considered for such an assignment. Following her retirement from full-time local-church ministry, Long worked for Center for Faith and Giving on programs of stewardship and generosity.

Her service across the denomination included Christian Church Finance Council and Christian Church Foundation Board of Directors, including two years as Chair on the Christian Church Pension Fund Board. Long was part of the audit committee and chaired the Board’s presidential search.

She was faithful, insightful, dedicated, and an effective leader. She was truly a generational talent.

Funeral services for Rev. Dr. Janet Long will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Washington Avenue Christian Church, 301 Washington Avenue, Elyria. Please keep her husband, Colonel Daniel D. Clark of Elyria, family, and friends in your hearts and prayers.