Passed away September 9, 2025. Beloved brother of Ronald Long II and Margarita Davis. No public viewing. Memorial mass Tuesday, September 16, 2025 10am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4341 E.131st.
Passed away September 9, 2025. Beloved brother of Ronald Long II and Margarita Davis. No public viewing. Memorial mass Tuesday, September 16, 2025 10am at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 4341 E.131st.
Gene & Merline Goodson
Wishing the family peace aat this sad time and hoping you know you’re not alone in your sorrow. Bernard will be missed by many. R.I.P. my brother!
Wanda Farrow
Prayers and condolences to the family. I’m so sorry for your loss. Bernard will be lovingly missed.Rest in heaven 😇❤️🔥🙏🏿
Margarete W. Smith
Our friendship with Bernard began at Epiphany Catholic Church. He was drumming at Epiphany and we were very happy that he continued drumming at Holy Spirit. It was apparent to us that he took pleasure in sharing his musical talent which greatly enhanced our celebrations at our Masses. We frequently arrived at our Sunday Mass and would park next to Bernard’s red car. We will miss seeing that red car and most importantly we will miss seeing and celebrating the glory of God with Bernard. Rest in peace, dear friend.
Clarence and Margarete Smith
Patricia Yvonne Douglas
You are missed for your willingness to let God lead you, your willingness to help others, and your knowledge of so many things.
Patricia
Alicia Jordan
Brother Bernard Long, The Drum Man
A onie and a twoie, the rhythm began,
With sticks in your hands, you taught us to stand.
Playing drums—your love language so true,
The heartbeat of your spirit, the bridge to our roots.
A heartbeat of ours, connecting me to you.
With every beat, you taught us not only music,
But love, culture, and connection too.
In your African garb, standing tall with pride,
Your beautiful hair flowing, your spirit alive.
Playing the drums in the hallway with joy,
And at summer camp—each child, every girl and boy.
Your smile was a lesson, your knowledge a gift,
You empowered the people, you gave us a lift.
You reminded us always—we are kings, we are queens,
Living examples of our proudest dreams.
The first drum teacher my young eyes did see,
With Hugh Williams beside you, shaping history.
At Thea Bowman Center, your light shined so bright,
Spreading the love, glowing strong in the night.
You made me my first African hand drum,
From your heart and your hands, the music would come.
You taught us, the children of Thea Bowman Center,
To make, to play, to believe, to build, and to belong.
Our roots came alive through rhythm and song.
You prepared us for Parade the Circle, benefit nights,
Saturdays in the hall, church filled with light.
Christmas Eve concerts where joy filled the air,
Brother Bernard, your spirit was always there.
You were the Drum Man—
The laughter, the encouragement, the example.
You touched countless lives
With your devotion to culture,
Your passion for community,
And your unshakable love.
The lives you touched, your legacy stands,
A craftsman, a teacher, with gentle hands.
One of Thea Bowman’s finest indeed,
Planting love in the soil, growing hope from the seed.
Brother Bernard,
You will be deeply missed,
Forever cherished,
Forever loved.
Your rhythm continues in us,
Your light shines through us,
And your memory will never fade.
Your light carries on,
Every drumbeat recalls you, though you are gone.
Brother Bernard, with your laughter and cheer,
We’ll cherish your memory, forever near.
Love you always.
Alicia Jordan Center yesterday — Brother Bernard Long. He will truly be missed. His life was a blessing, his spirit a gift, and his legacy will live on in the many hearts he touched.
In remembrance, I wrote a poem to highlight the amazing life he lived and the inspiration he gave to me.
Brother Bernard Long, The Drum Man
A onie and a twoie, the rhythm began,
With sticks in your hands, you taught us to stand.
Playing drums—your love language so true,
The heartbeat of your spirit, the bridge to our roots.
A heartbeat of ours, connecting me to you.
With every beat, you taught us not only music,
But love, culture, and connection too.
In your African garb, standing tall with pride,
Your beautiful hair flowing, your spirit alive.
Playing the drums in the hallway with joy,
And at summer camp—each child, every girl and boy.
Your smile was a lesson, your knowledge a gift,
You empowered the people, you gave us a lift.
You reminded us always—we are kings, we are queens,
Living examples of our proudest dreams.
The first drum teacher my young eyes did see,
With Hugh Williams beside you, shaping history.
At Thea Bowman Center, your light shined so bright,
Spreading the love, glowing strong in the night.
You made me my first African hand drum,
From your heart and your hands, the music would come.
You taught us, the children of Thea Bowman Center,
To make, to play, to believe, to build, and to belong.
Our roots came alive through rhythm and song.
You prepared us for Parade the Circle, benefit nights,
Saturdays in the hall, church filled with light.
Christmas Eve concerts where joy filled the air,
Brother Bernard, your spirit was always there.
You were the Drum Man—
The laughter, the encouragement, the example.
You touched countless lives
With your devotion to culture,
Your passion for community,
And your unshakable love.
The lives you touched, your legacy stands,
A craftsman, a teacher, with gentle hands.
One of Thea Bowman’s finest indeed,
Planting love in the soil, growing hope from the seed.
Brother Bernard,
You will be deeply missed,
Forever cherished,
Forever loved.
Your rhythm continues in us,
Your light shines through us,
And your memory will never fade.
Your light carries on,
Every drumbeat recalls you, though you are gone.
Brother Bernard, with your laughter and cheer,
We’ll cherish your memory, forever near.
Love you always.
Alicia Jordan
Andre and Alisa Smith
Brother Bernard’s constant presence at Weekly mass, keeping the rhythm on your drums which helped our praise and worship will be missed. Bernard was an important part of all our celebrations at Holy Spirt and will be missed. May God’ Grace be with the family.
Alexander Lee McKenzie
Bernard Long (“Nard”) was the only drummer I ever met who sang the melody as drum parts out loud while playing through the whole song. He used the drums as his harmony section. Laying down a bass line over the top of his drums was a piece of cake for me. I first met Nard at Epiphany Church, he was grade ahead of Ronald (“Gino”) and myself-when I wanted to become an altar boy it was Nard who instructed me to the cadence, the prayers and the patience of becoming an altar boy. Bernard said remember it’s all about timing, patience and praying that gets you through the job. I still burn Frankincense to this day. I remember patience is a virtue–thank you Bernard. My heart goes out to Gino and Margarita and to their extended family. Bernard was truly a servant of God!
Barbara James
Rest in heavenly peace, Mr. Long! Your smile and joy are one of the things I remember most about Holy Spirit Catholic Church.