Carol J. DeLong, age 77 of Big Rapids, passed away Thursday, October 23, 2008. She was born May 7, 1931 in Flint to Charles and Mamie (Landry) White. Carol graduated from Michigan State University earning a Bachelors of Science Degree in Education. She married Clarence DeLong on June 25, 1955 in Flint. Carol taught at St. Agnes and Flint Northern. In 1967 Clarence accepted a position as assistant professor at Ferris State University and the family moved to Big Rapids to make their home. Over time Carol also took a position at Ferris State University in the Institutional Studies Department. Carol retired in 1988 and spent her retirement traveling, taking cruises and visiting her children throughout the United States. Carol was a devout member of St. Paul Campus Parish in Big Rapids. She is survived by her loving family of five children, Clarence (Patricia) DeLong of Mt. Pleasant, Paul (Cheryl) DeLong of Woodridge, IL, Philip (Ann) DeLong of Port Orange, FL, Denise (Daniel) Dilay of Macomb, Michelle (Pete) Hardigan of Wixom 14 grandchildren, a brother, Robert (Elaine) White of Mt. Morris and many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, Carol was preceded in death by her husband Clarence in 1996 and a sister, Virginia Kontyko. A mass of Christian burial will take place 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 25th at St. Paul Campus Parish in Big Rapids with Father Lam T. Le officiating. The family will greet friends today (Friday) at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a Rosary being prayed at 8:00 p.m. this evening. There will also be a visitation, at the church, on Saturday one hour prior to services. Memorial contributions in Carol's name may be made to St. Paul Campus Parish in Big Rapids.