Gd- or Lu-doped long afterglow red phosphor Y2O2S:Sm3+ was synthesized using the high temperature flux fusion method. The obtained phosphors were analyzed using X-ray diffraction to determine the crystal structure, and the phase analyses show that the product is in single phase. The luminescence spectra and decay curve were measured on a Hitachi F-4500 fluorescence spectrophotometer. The decay time was determined on an ST-900PM weak light photometer.The analyses show that host doping of Lu improves both luminescence and decay time of the materials. The concentration of doped Lu and Sm was varied in order to determine the optimal condition and to synthesize the product with the best properties. The mechanism of the long afterglow was also briefly discussed.