How do you get an academic reference...when you have been out of university for ages? (Details)

At some point, I want to go back to grad school. One of the biggest stumbling blocks (that I foresee as I look at applications) is getting an academic reference from someone that can vouch for my ability to “be viable academically”. This would mean obtaining a reference from someone who taught me before (yes?). I have an advanced degree already, but because I went into graduate school right after my B.A., it’s been a long while (decades). My professors were old at the time (three or four are deceased now.) Even if they weren’t, I doubt that any would remember me or my work. I was a good student (3.9) but certainly not particularly memorable. Trust me. I can’t even remember who all my professors were anyway!

Honestly, I think the only people who still remember my academic viability are some of my high school teachers…and that’s because I came from a small town where everyone knows everyone else. I was a gifted student (whatever that means)and I still get stopped by some of them in the produce section when I am visiting my family. That, however, does not wash in upper academia. Not when you are…well….older than Sarah Jessica Parker, but younger than Madonna.

I would appreciate any information/ideas/help….or perhaps how you dealt with the need for academic references when faced with this issue after being out of university/academia for years?