Virginia Daniels Bailey Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Virginia D. Bailey (nee Daniels), passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at the age of 90. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Louis C. Bailey, her parents, Guy and Ann (Braley) Daniels, and sister, Dulcie Valusek. She is survived by her children, Jane (Brad) Brown, Linda (Gregg) Meyer, and Dick (Gina) Bailey. She will be forever special to her grandchildren: Bryan, Sara, Wes, Kayla, Jacob, Kristen, and Kyle; and great grandchildren: Jonah, Benji, and Natalie. Loved by her extended family and a multitude of friends, her positive spirit and quiet strength will be greatly missed. Born in 1928 in western Kansas, Virginia grew up in a wonderful, simple, and loving home. She was the youngest of two and, like many during that time, experienced the Depression without realizing there was anything lacking in her world. The stories from those times underline her lifetime persona: kind, fun, and loving – completely and simply enjoying life and the people with whom you share it. Both her parents were teachers, which instilled an appreciation and understanding of the importance of education. Her family moved to Indiana and then, to Washington, D.C. during WWII, where she attended high school. While in high school, Virginia became interested in journalism. She was the editor of the school newspaper and yearbook. As she looked to make that her career, she decided to pursue a journalism degree at the University of Kansas. She enjoyed her college experience; improving her journalism skills and creating bonds with lifelong friends, including her sisters from Alpha Chi Omega. The pursuit of a professional career took her to Dallas, TX where she rejoined her parents, who had relocated there. She went to work at Neiman Marcus and was enjoying her single work life when a special event happened. While registering attendees of the TNT (Twenty Not Thirty) Sunday school class at Highland Park United Methodist Church, she caught the eye of one Louis Bailey. That spark ignited into romance and in April 1951 they were married. She assumed the role of homemaker extraordinaire as she and Lou moved throughout Texas, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Missouri while Lou moved up the ranks within Southwestern Bell and the Bell System. In 1952 a new chapter of her life began – motherhood. First came Jane, then Linda, then Dick. Virginia was a wonderful mom and brought to her home the spirit and principles from her upbringing. She and Lou were their kids’ number one supporters - always there with sage advice and unconditional love. As individuals, as a married couple, and as parents, Virginia’s and Lou’s dedication to their Christian faith and the United Methodist Church was a major influence in their lives. Wherever they moved, one of their first priorities was finding a new church home. Church membership became the foundation for their time in a new city and was the source of numerous close and lasting friendships. Bailey family life revolved around church activities. Virginia belonged to several United Methodist Women Circles and volunteered her time to numerous church-sponsored groups. Her relationship with Christ was deepened through BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) where she was a participant and leader for many years. Virginia and Lou were active and enthusiastic participants within every community in which they lived. They moved to St. Louis for the third and final time in 1970 and remained there the rest of their lives. It was there they witnessed their kids become adults and start their own families, provided a fun and loving base for grandchildren and great grandchildren, said goodbye to their own parents, and simply lived out magical and satisfying lives. They enjoyed traveling and DELIGHTED in spending individual time with each grandchild. These wonderful times together ended in July of 1998 when Lou passed away. Grounded upon her faith in God, Virginia faced Lou’s death and her solo life with optimism and a simple “one step at a time” attitude. This happy and satisfying chapter lasted twenty years – all while she continued to connect with people. In doing so, Virginia had many devoted friends, family, and caregivers who saw her through living on her own, her life in a nursing home, her life as an Alzheimer’s patient, and her final months as her health declined. She was loved and supported ….. reaping what she sowed her entire life. The Brown, Meyer, and Bailey families would like to thank all who loved and supported Virginia – and also supported each one of us. Your kindness and love will come to mind and cause us to smile as we fondly remember our Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother. A Memorial Service celebrating her life will be on March 8, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Kirkwood United Methodist Church, with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes you contribute to a charity of your choice in Virginia’s memory.

Tributes

Virginia Daniels Bailey

April 20, 1928 - February 20, 2019