Dabara S. Houston: A Life in Context

Updated on: August 4, 2025

Basic Information

Background and Early Life

The birth date, family history, education, and career of Dabara S. Houston before her marriage are unknown. After marrying megachurch preacher Bishop Eddie Long in 1981, her name became known. Her early years are undocumented, suggesting she was trying to remain anonymous or because clergy spouses were not given much media attention at the time. Houston’s background outside of Long is unknown, highlighting her private preferences.

Marriage and Family

Houston married Eddie Long in 1981, just before he founded New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, one of the fastest-growing in the Southeast. Before their 1983 separation and March 1985 divorce, they were married for two years. Houston had their sole kid, Edward Long, in 1982 from their marriage. Houston took custody of Edward, with Long visiting on alternating weekends.

Since then, Edward Long has worked in New Birth’s youth ministry without much publicity. Houston’s brief marriage to Long coincided with the early growth of his ministry, when his personal and professional identities were still developing.

Allegations and Controversy

Houston counterclaimed against Long for physical abuse during divorce proceedings, citing violent behavior while pregnant. She said he hit her with his fists at seven and a half months pregnant, forcing her to leave their house with Edward. Houston called her treatment “cruel” and “vicious,” contrasted with Long’s growing reputation as a loving spiritual leader.

Long’s attorneys contested these allegations and disputed Houston’s chronology. Later, Bishop Long faced separate sexual misconduct claims from young male worshipers in 2010. Even if unrelated to Houston’s case, such circumstances made analysts reexamine Long’s personal background, particularly his first wife’s disputed charges. Houston refused to comment or hold public forums on her original claims despite media queries.

Life After Divorce and Privacy

Houston disappeared after her divorce in March 1985. Her memoirs, interviews, and media presence were nonexistent. In contrast, Long used televangelism and best-selling novels to gain international fame. Houston’s seclusion reflects a long-term effort to hide herself and her kid from Long’s later fame.

Houston has not been photographed at public events, has no social media accounts, and has eschewed comment despite growing interest in Long’s life. Her unknown professional activities were also private. Her post-divorce career is completely unknown, unlike her ex-husband’s.

Family Update and Recent Status

No reliable records exist about Houston’s activities, location, or personal life in 2025. Her son Edward, in his early 40s, leads youngsters at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church but is rarely seen in the media. Houston and Edward did not comment on Bishop Eddie Long’s cancer death in January 2017, demonstrating their common preference for seclusion.

Persistent media interest in Bishop Long’s controversies and legacy has not translated into new information about Houston or her son. Their narratives remain confined to the early 1980s, with no subsequent chapters added to the public record.

Broader Context and Long’s Legacy

Bishop Eddie Long went from a small parish to over 25,000 people. He had best-selling books, nationwide broadcasts, and high-profile speaking engagements. His 2010 controversies and Vanessa Long’s 2011 temporary divorce file brought attention to every facet of his life, including his first marriage. Houston’s silence and lack of evidence hindered a thorough reevaluation of her charges within Long’s ministry.

Vanessa Long, his second wife, divorced and reconciled on national television, contrasted with Houston’s silence. Houston’s chapter as Long’s first wife and mother of his only biological son remains static in his story. Her refusal to revisit that phase has helped define her private life as a counterweight to her public career.

FAQ

Who is Dabara S. Houston?

Dabara S. Houston is best known as the first wife of Bishop Eddie Long and mother of Edward Long.

When did she marry and divorce Eddie Long?

She married him in 1981, separated in 1983, and finalized their divorce in March 1985.

What allegations did she make during their divorce?

She alleged physical abuse, claiming Long beat her while she was heavily pregnant.

What is her current public status?

Houston has led a private life since the divorce, with no public appearances or statements.

What is known about her son, Edward Long?

Edward Long, born in 1982, serves in youth ministry at New Birth Missionary Baptist Church and maintains a low public profile.

References