WILMINGTON — A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and celebrated entertainer, she was known and loved by all as “Dusty”.
Dusty was called home to be with the Lord at 1:45 a.m. on March 25th, 2026-just 15 days before her 86th birthday and 23 days before her 50th wedding anniversary with William (Bill) Herman Long Jr.
She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Bill Long, and their children: Elmer Riley Pettet Ill;James Terry Pettet; Sherry Ann (Hali’a) Hester; Alyssa Leilani Thompson; William H. Long Ill; Jeramy J. Long; and Brandon Hewett Long. She is also survived by nine grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Additionally, Dusty is survived by her siblings in Hawai’i: Herbert Kihoi, Leina’ala Kihoi-Dunne, Sarah (Puna) Kihoi, and Peneku (Penny) Kihoi. Her devoted pets, Tiki and Daisy-Mae.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Sarah Kihoi of Hawai’i, and by her brothers, Wilmart (Biggy) Kihoi and Curtis Kihoi.
Dusty was an accomplished musician and jazz singer, well known throughout southeastern North Carolina from 1975 until her retirement in 2015. She and her husband, Bill, often performed together.
Online condolences may be offered here.
Loved by everyone who knew her, Dusty truly embodied the Hawaiian Aloha Spirit.
Aloha ‘Oe, Dusty. You will remain in our hearts forever.
