Shirley Ruth Bailey
Shirley Ruth Bailey, 86, of Hixson, Tennessee, passed from her earthly life to be with her heavenly father on July 9, 2021.
Shirley was born in Greensboro, Georgia on April 6, 1935, to Russell and Fannie Park. In 1955, while living in Atlanta, Georgia, she met the love of her life, John D. Bailey, Jr. and married him on June 26, 1959. They moved to Chattanooga, Tennessee in 1961 where they made their home for the next 60 years.
Shirley was a stay-at-home mother for 17 years while raising her children. She then began her career as an administrative assistant for General Physics Corporation and later as a legal secretary for Dietzen, Dietzen and Atchley law firm. After her retirement in 1992, Shirley served for many years in the Chattanooga chapter of the Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary. She volunteered countless hours serving local children, seniors, and mothers through their Angel Tree program. Shirley was a faithful member of Oakwood Baptist Church from 1963 to 1989 and, in 1990, she joined Bayside Baptist Church. She volunteered in the church library for many years as well as serving in many other capacities in her beloved church. She was a faithful member of the Son-Worshipers Sunday School class at Bayside for many years until her death.
Shirley was a much-beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She enjoyed weekend camping trips with her family when her children were young and loved to travel on many family vacations across the U.S. After she and John retired, they enjoyed traveling together and with friends both domestically and internationally. Shirley’s smile and sense of humor were infectious! Her family meant everything to her, and she loved nothing more than being together with them. She was genuine, humble, and without an ounce of pretense about her.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Fannie Park; and sister, Daisy Swann.
She is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, John D. Bailey, Jr.; son, Dr. Russ (Darragh) Bailey; daughter, Lynn (John) Hinch; grandson David Bailey (Michael); three granddaughters, Erin Bailey (Ian) Preston, Jordan Hinch, Cameron Hinch (Wes) Rue and Logan Hinch; brother, Richard Park; sister-in-law, Edythe Hendrix; many cousins, nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express special heartfelt thanks for the tireless and loving work of the staff at Morning Pointe of Hixson, Kindred Hospice, and the many wonderful sitters provided by Home Instead.
The family will receive friends on Monday, August 9, 2021 from 10 a.m.-noon at Bayside Baptist Church. A memorial service will follow with Pastor Grady Cooper officiating.
Inurnment at Chattanooga National Cemetery will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association @ alz.org (423) 265-3600.
Share your memories and express your condolences at www.turnerfamilyfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are by Turner Funeral Home, Hwy 58 Chapel 423-622-3171