Janice Rae Long

Janice Rae Long (Whitely Horsley), passed away peacefully on December 1, 2025, at the age of 80 years old after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. She was surrounded by loved ones at Cobblestone Manor in Spring Hill, Florida.

Janice was born in Louisville, KY on August 13, 1945. She was preceded in death by her mother, Juanita Rea Logsdon (Tucker Whitely) and father, Ray Armes Whitely. She attended Ben Johnson Elementary School, Breckinridge County High School (valedictorian grade 12), and graduated from Western Kentucky University with a Master of Science in Microbiology. After college, Janice followed in her mother’s footsteps and spent the next 40 plus years in education. She retired from Gulf High School in 2012 after 32 years of service.

Janice spent 19 years in the US Army Reserves and reached the rank of Captain. During this time, she married John Patrick Long and raised three children, (twins) Janie Rea Groulx (Long) & Jamie Rhea Long & Jennifer Rose Long. Janice also has five grandchildren (Kiev, Ellis, Isabella, Beckham, Calum).

Janice loved animals (especially cats & raccoons), driving her orange VW beetle, playing the piano, and country music. Her favorite thing to do was to spend time at her Kentucky cabin and reading books on the lake. In her spare time, she worked on her tan, volunteered at Cotee River Lions Club, and attended church at Queen of Peace & St. James. Janice was never afraid to change her hair but hated to fly. She was beautiful, intelligent, & caring. She was truly one of a kind. May you rest in peace, our angel.

Family and friends that reside in Florida are invited to St. James Catholic Church on Friday, March 20th at 11 AM, for mass and reception. In Janice’s memory, contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America or Florida Humane Society in lieu of flowers.

Kentucky family and friends, a celebration of life will be held for Janice at Coyle Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Hudson, KY 40145 on Saturday, April 25th, from 12-1 PM EST. Food and beverage will be served. Please email [email protected] for more details.