Birth Date: 05/31/1932
Deceased Date: 04/05/2025
Lu Long Ogburn Medlin of Smithfield, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on April 5th , 2025, at Brookdale of Smithfield. She was born in Smithfield to Jasper Victor Ogburn and Bunnah Jones Ogburn on May 31, 1932. Her father was a cotton broker and an owner of Austin-Ogburn Cotton Company. Mrs. Bunnah managed the family with love and her colorful character. Lu Long was the second of four siblings: the oldest sister was Nan Ogburn (Cullman), the younger sister was Gail Ogburn (Flynt), and the youngest was brother Jasper Victor Ogburn, Jr. She loved her family and enjoyed her childhood in Smithfield.
Lu Long excelled in sports during her high school years, where she played basketball under Coach Luby Royal. She led the team to two county championships, and was named to the All-State girls’ team, and the All-County team for four consecutive years. She became the all-time scoring leader of Johnston County with nearly 2000 points during her high school career. On May 7, 2022, she was honored to be inducted into the Johnston County Athletic Hall of Fame.
After high school, Lu Long attended Salem College for four years, where she was active in sports and majored in piano. She was the senior class president and served as Salem’s 27th May Queen. During her freshman year, she became Miss North Carolina in 1951. Later that year, she was runner-up in the Miss America pageant, where she won the talent and swimsuit competition. During her junior year in 1953, she was named the Queen of the Court for the Buggs Island Lake dedication in Clarksville, Virginia. While Lu Long was proud to serve North Carolina, she always believed one of her best accomplishments was marrying her high school sweetheart, Tommy Medlin, in 1954.
After brief periods of living in San Diego and Pittsburgh, Lu Long and Tommy returned to their families in Smithfield, North Carolina. She gave birth to four children: Jennifer Gail Medlin (Lawrence), Allison Long Medlin (Ciampa), Thomas Eastwood Medlin, Jr., and Victor Wade Medlin. While meeting the demands of motherhood, Lu Long also enjoyed bowling, gave piano lessons to many children in Smithfield, played tennis and bridge with her friends, sold real estate for Al Brown Realty with her dear friend Clara Wellons, and traveled to the NC beaches each summer for family vacations. Her children fondly remember the wonderful meals she prepared and what great cooking skills she shared with those closest to her. Her many friends cherish her infectious, joyful spirit and treasure their true life-long friendships.
Lu Long is survived by her four children, her nine grandchildren, and her two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, and beloved husband of 38 years, Tommy Medlin. The family wishes to give the highest praise and thanks to the ladies and caregivers who lived with her in Smithfield during the late years of her life. Lu Long was happiest and drew her strength from her hometown, her family, and the friends that she dearly loved.
While flowers are appreciated, the family requests that memorials be directed to the Johnston County Community Foundation and to the Pruitt Health Hospice of Fayetteville.
Online condolences may be left for the family at parrishfh.com.
