Crystal Long

In Loving Memory of

Crystal Yvette Long

November 10, 1960 — June 5, 2026

Crystal Yvette Long was born on November 10, 1960, in New Haven, Connecticut, the cherished daughter of Maxine Long (Moore) and George Long Jr. From those New Haven streets she grew into a woman of striking presence and unshakable spirit — a “pretty dark girl,” as she was lovingly known, whose beauty was matched only by her grit. Those who knew her best simply called her “Bru.”

Crystal was a hustler to the heart. She met life head-on, with determination, resourcefulness, and a refusal to back down from whatever stood in her way. A proud graduate of Richard C. Lee High School, she carried that same drive through every season of her life.

Crystal leaves behind a family who will carry her memory forward. She is survived by her children, Malek Long of Hamden and Stanisha Goodrum of New Haven, her siblings Lynthia Long and George Long III (Tanya) of New Haven, step-siblings Pearlie Sanders (Greg) of Hamden, Robert Short (Brigitte) of Hamden, Stacye Booker of Hamden, Edward Booker of Branford and Saud Short of Meriden, her ten grandchildren and a special grandchild Malek long Jr. and two great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, and loved ones whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Maxine and George Long Jr., her daughter Lakhiya Martin (Williams) and her grandson Kyshant (Najee) Moore Jr. Though they walked ahead of her, her heart never stopped holding them close — and now she joins them once more.

Crystal lived boldly and on her own terms. Her name will be spoken with pride, her spirit remembered with joy, and her absence felt deeply by all who were blessed to know her.

A celebration of Crystal’s life will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026 at 11am at Colonial Funerals, 86 Circular Avenue, Hamden, CT. Viewing in Colonial from 10am-11am. Condolences may be expressed at Colonialfunerals.com.