Sporky Or "Sporky or Babyface" Babyface

Sporky Or "Sporky or Babyface" Babyface obituary, Pine Ridge, SD

Sporky Or "Sporky or Babyface" Babyface

Sporky Babyface Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Sioux Funeral Home on Jul. 1, 2025.

Publish in a newspaper

"Igma Hunska Sapa"
"Sporky" or "Babyface"
Nelson Shannon Long, Sr. was born on December 8, 1995 in Pine Ridge, SD to Xavier Long and Theresa M. Black Horse-Long. Nelson made his journey to the Spirit World on June 19, 2025 near White Clay, NE.
Today, we gather to remember and honor our beloved Nelson Shannon Long Sr., affectionately known as "Babyface." As his brother, I've had the privilege of sharing a lifetime of memories with him, from the moment he came home from the hospital to our final conversations.
Nelson was a pillar of strength for our family, always there to keep us strong and have our backs. His infectious humor and kindness made everyone feel welcomed and comfortable in his presence. Nelson had an extraordinary ability to find joy in everyday moments and share that laughter with others, teaching us the importance of gratitude in life's simple pleasures.
As a father to five beautiful children - three daughters and two sons - Nelson found his greatest pride and purpose. He poured his love into his family and friends, constantly asking if anyone needed help and going out of his way to lend a hand. His passion for family and friendship was evident in everything he did.
Nelson's journey through life was marked by determination and perseverance. He completed his education, pursued college, and earned his food handler's certification, working in various food service establishments like Taco John's and Pizza Hut. His ambition to become a carpenter and study at OLC showed his desire for continuous growth and learning.
What I'll miss most about Nelson are the countless hours we spent sharing stories and reminiscing about our childhood adventures. Each tale was unique, filled with shenanigans that never failed to bring a smile to our faces. His ability to find humor in any situation and his approach to making the best out of things, even in challenging times, was truly inspirational.
Nelson lived by the philosophy of enjoying life to its fullest and encouraged others to do the same. He showed us how to find joy in the little things and to always be kind to others. His energy and zest for life were contagious, leaving a lasting impact on everyone he met.
As we say goodbye to our baby brother, we are left with broken hearts and a tremendous void. But we take comfort in knowing that Nelson would want us to remember him for his kindness, his helpfulness, and the laughter we shared. He would want us to continue living life with the same enthusiasm and love that he demonstrated every day.
To honor Nelson's memory, we promise never to forget him or the lessons he taught us. We will carry his spirit of kindness, humor, and gratitude in our hearts, sharing it with others as he would have done.
Babyface, we love you and miss you deeply. Until we meet again, your memory will continue to bring smiles to our faces and warmth to our hearts. Rest in peace, dear brother.
Nelson is survived by his mother, Theresa Long; children, Nelson S. Long, Jr. and his mother, Elita Holiday, Vivian & Vinny Long and their mother, Kennedy Sully, Marcia Mae White Magpie and her mother, Deambera White Magpie, and Alyssa Long and her mother, Marissa Shields; paternal grandfather, Bart (Cynthia) Long; sisters, Gloria Sully, Grace Sully, and Nanci Cottier; brother, Xavier Long, Jr.; aunt, Shannon Long; nieces & nephews, Aubree Cottier, Persaus Black Bear, Kaloni Cottier, Theresa Cottier, Kati Dixon, Carter Dixon III, Darrent Cottier, Majestic Thomas, and Cole Wayne Sherman; god-parents, Delmar Richard, Wilma Leonard, Calvin Eagle Heart, and Lena Hart; numerous cousins and extended family; and his beloved dog, Baby Girl.
Nelson was preceded in death by his father, Xaiver Long, Sr.; maternal grandparents, Eugene & Nancy (Nelson) Black Horse; paternal grandmother, Cynthia Catches; brother, Stetson Long; aunt, Emma Black Horse; uncles, Sid Black Horse, Dusty Nelson, Adrian Long, Raphael Long, Donny Yellow Horse, and Oral, Larry, & Clifford Sr. Buckman; sister, Emma Elsie Rose Black Horse; cousins, Joann Little, Casey Long, Jordan Buckman, Pat & Sally Nelson, Jamie Plenty Arrows, and Kaloni Randall; close special friends that he'll be with – Daniel Freeman, Jake American Horse, Abe Romero, Sage Cross and Chris Brugier; and beloved dogs, Hot Dog and Xavier.
Pallbearers will be Virgil Red Cloud, Brian "Bubba" Sherman, Alan Mesteth, Sean Davis, Nathan Mesteth, Majestic Thomas, and Darrent Cottier.
Honorary pallbearers will be John Swimmer, Sam Bear Robe, Venus Red Star, Tiffany High Hawk, Little Angelita, Alex & Angel Red Cloud, Mistana Rose, Tuny Sits Poor, Eva Bravo, Marcia Tibbitts, Richard Red Bear, Ann Amiotte, Jeannie Waters, Casey & Frenchie Romero, Mariah & Toby Romero, Nancy & Toby Big Crow, Tony Walking, Nate Horn, Erica Buckman, Sheila DuBray, McKenzie Buckman, Marvin & Pauline Mills, Jolene & Stan Clifford, Susie Hull, Sonny & Beckie White, Chris Fast Horse, Shawna Thorton, Elouise Romero, Chase Roy, Sid Long, John Witt, Tina Buckman, Krista Richard & Family, Raylynn White Calf, Tia White Calf, Sophie Yellow Boy, Kayla Red Cloud, Cheyenne Red Cloud, Misty & Brandi High Wolf, Uncle Ben Leonard, DJ Bark, Trish, Jeff Janis, Wanbli Red Shirt, Yvonne "Tiny" DeCory, Ollie Big Crow, Averia Fast Horse, Tay Red Cloud, Snazz Hernandez, Chee Carroll, Jake Twiss, Alvin & Pheobe Bad Yellow Hair, Ohitika Jones, Marvin Runs Above, Marlena Bad Yellow Hair, Austin Warrior, Clifford Jr., Billie Jo, Jade, Misty, Jolene, & Timmy Buckman, Dan Nelson, Dusty Nelson, Angelita Two Bulls, Moses Catches, Alfred Catches, Dylan Brave, Markie Randall, Fern & Sophie Randall, Audrey Shields, Pat Catches, Angie Taylor, Dennis, Christopher, Becky & Wes Cottier, Amy, Mary, Joyce and Arlene Tallman, Joyce Goings & Family, Kris Fast Horse, Stoldt Family, Salway Family, Ecoffey Family, Long Family, Little Hawk Family, Little Spotted Horse Family, Little Hoop Family, Waters Family, Janis Family, Goings Family, Tallman Family, Conquering Bear Family, Flood Family, Long Wolf Family, Richards Family, Randall Family, Nelson Family, Black Horse Family, Tilden Family, All Relatives in Alliance, NE, Crawford, NE, Ashland, NE and All Friends & Relatives.
Wake Services: One night wake service will start at 3:00 PM, Wednesday, July 2, 2025 at the Joyner Hall in Pine Ridge, SD with services starting at 5:30 PM.
Funeral Services: 11:00 AM, Thursday, July 3, 2025 at the Joyner Hall in Pine Ridge, SD
Officiating: Mother Michelle Dayton and Pastor Dan Johnson
Traditional Lakota Services: To Be Announced
Burial Services: Holy Cross Episcopal Cemetery, Pine Ridge, SD
Arrangements entrusted Sioux Funeral Home of Pine Ridge, SD
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of "Sporky" or "Babyface", please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sioux Funeral Home

370 Oglala St. P.O. Box 277, Pine Ridge, SD 57770

Make a Donation
in Sporky Babyface's name

How to support Sporky's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Sporky Babyface's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Sporky Babyface's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?