Thelma Eileen Gray-Brown-Long, known to most as "Poogie", was born December 13, 1944 to the late Thomas Sylvester Sr. and the late Maefield Louis Gray, in Calvert County, Maryland. On May 16, 2021, Poogie departed this life at home surrounded by her family.

Poogie was educated in the Calvert County Public Schools. She was first married the late Joseph Brown. From this union were 5 children. Later, Poogie married Howard Long. She was his "Boo" for 29 years.

She was a catcher for the Owings Eagles softball team, along with her sister, Bert. She truly enjoyed that time.

Poogie was a devoted housewife and caretaker of her children. Later, she was employed at Walmart from which she graciously retired. Poogie's favorite pastime was spending time with her family especially at gatherings.

She leaves to cherish memories: Husband: Howard Long; children: Mark & Lolita Gray, Roxanne, Grafton, Peter, Joseph and Rico Brown; one sister: Alberta "Bert" Jones; two brothers: Woodrow "Lloyd and James "Jimmy"; four sisters-in-law: Florence, Deborah, and Marietta Gray and Paulette Harris; one brother-in law: James Long; grandchildren: Trey, Tyrese, and Brynia Brown, Demetrius Holland, Damon Holloway, Chance Brown, Adonis and Kevin Gray; great-grandchildren: Mia Holland, Tylyiah and Reign Gray; one uncle: Bishop Robert "Sonny Boy" Watts. Poogie also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Proceeding her in death: brother: Thomas "Dickie" Gray and brother-in-law: Rayfield Jones.