Mary Bailey

Mary Ethel Bailey, 91, of Pegram passed away on December 10, 2021 in Broken Arrow, OK while visiting her daughter.

Mary was born in Big Stone Gap, VA to Irvin and Mary Slemp on March 4, 1930. Her family, which grew to 13 siblings, moved to Surgoinsville, TN where she attended high school. She began a job at Eastman Kodak Company where she was employed until meeting the love of her life, Robert (Bob) Bailey. They were married on December 20, 1956 in Surgoinsville, TN. Robert was enlisted in the Air Force and was deployed to Alaska at that time. During his time in the military they resided in Oklahoma, Bermuda, Illinois, South Carolina, Florida and then finally settled down in Tennessee after Bob retired.

Mary was a devout Christian throughout her life. She was a woman of prayer, grace, beauty, and kindness. With the heart of a missionary, she shared her love for Jesus with everyone she met. She epitomized the nature of Christ in all she said and did.

She was an excellent seamstress, sewing many prom dresses, bridesmaids' dresses, clothes for her children and even for their Barbie dolls. In her later years she could be found sitting in her chair crocheting a blanket for the next great-grandchild. She loved flowers, birds and spending time in her garden.

Mary is preceded in death by her husband, Robert J. Bailey and son, Wayne A. Bailey. She is survived by her brothers: William R. Slemp, Ralph L. Slemp and James C. Slemp and sisters: Nellie Slemp Duncan, Shirley Slemp Wallace and Judy Slemp O'Dell; her four daughters: Linda (Gene) Hall, Susan (James) Johns, Carol (Perry) Lockert and Ellen Bailey; grandchildren: Robert, Rachel, Jasmine, Jessica, Mari Ellen, William, Ethan, Ryan, Diane and David and her great-grandchildren: Ormon, Daniella, Damion, Gracelin, McKenzie and Robert Jr.

A Memorial Service will begin at 2:00PM on Saturday, March 12, 2022 in the chapel at West Harpeth Funeral Home located at 6962 Charlotte Pike in Nashville . A gathering of family and friends will follow the memorial service.