Sheri Ellen Long Cotton

I’ve learned that there is more to life than material possessions.  True success isn’t about money nor fame – it’s about being able to keep those I care about close to me.  

                                                                    Sheri Long Cotton                                                                                

                                                     February 2, 1947 – November 19, 2022

Sheri Ellen Moore was born on February 2, 1947 in Kansas City, Missouri to Vernithia Fitzgerald and Edward Moore.   The family moved to Omaha, Nebraska after her mother became employed at Offutt Airforce Base.   Sheri’s formative years were spent growing up in the loving family-focused neighborhood of 21st and Ohio Street.   Sheri attended Howard Kennedy and Saratoga Elementary Schools, Horace Mann, Jr. High School, and Central High School from which she graduated in 1965.   She later enrolled in Omaha University to pursue journalism.   Sheri sang in a local group called the Four M’s and later performed solo at Allen Showcase and the Off Beat.   

In the early 1970s, Sheri moved to Los Angeles, California and began working as a paralegal.   She quickly realized that she had a strong interest in the law.  By-passing her undergraduate degree, Sheri passed the LSAT on the first try and was admitted to The University of West Los Angeles, where she received her Juris Doctorate and passed the California Bar Exam on the first try. 

Shortly after receiving her degree, Sheri moved back to Omaha, Nebraska and rekindled a romance with a high school sweetheart, Lonnie E. Long, Sr, and they married shortly thereafter.   They were blessed with two beautiful sons, who were the loves of her life, Lonnie E. Long, Jr. and Timothy E. Long.

Sheri went to work for the City of Omaha Attorney’s Office, becoming the Omaha’s First Black City Attorney.  Sheri argued many Federal cases and appeared before the Nebraska Supreme Court multiple times.  After leaving the City of Omaha Attorney’s Office she focused her practice on representing the underprivileged in Omaha and often provided pro-bono work.  During her decades long career, Sheri mentored countless young Black lawyers and was a fierce advocate for her clients. 

With her sons now adults, Sheri relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, and practice law for a short time, before the early onset of Alzheimer’s.  Her youngest son, Timothy subsequently moved to Georgia to care for her.   Realizing that she required more specialized care, Sheri relocated to Phoenix, Arizona and lived with her son Lonnie and his wife Pattie for several years until the disease required 24-hour care.    

Sheri was a loving Grandmother to 8, including Leilani Long and Timari Long.   Sheri was a loving Aunt, Grand-Aunt and Great-Aunt to over 80.   

Sheri was a fiercely devoted “Big Sister” to her siblings, Kenton, Jackie, Mark, Cynthia (Ladybug) and Carol and was deeply loved.  

On November 19, 2022 Sheri went to her eternal rest.   Sheri was preceded in death by her parents, Vernithia Fitzgerald and Edward Moore,  ex-husband Lonnie E. Long, Sr. and sisters Jackie Waters Bell and Carol Ann Terrell.

She is survived by her beloved sons Lonnie E. Long, Jr (Pattie) and Timothy E. Long (Jasmine), Granddaughters Leilani Long and Timari Long, 6 Grand-Loves, brothers Kenton E. Moore (June), Pastor Mark J. Smith (Dorarena) and sister Cynthia (Ladybug) Lacy (Jerry), numerous nieces, nephews, and friends

2 TIMOTHY 4:7 - I HAVE FOUGHT A GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED MY COURSE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH.

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