Florida Bailey, 94, of Bailey’s Corner, passed away Friday, June 3, 2016 at her home. She was born in DeCoy, Kentucky on June 14, 1921, daughter of the late Kelley Stone and Verdie (Smith) Stone. She grew up in Kentucky and moved to Jasper County at the age of 18. On September 25, 1941, in Rensselaer, she married Jess Willard Bailey. He preceded her in death on June 4, 2001.

Florida was a homemaker and a pastor’s wife. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. She had a strong faith in God. She loved reading her Bible and attending church with her family. She enjoyed gardening and canning the fruits and vegetables she grew in her garden. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends. She was a talented quilter and made beautiful quilts. In her younger days, she enjoyed singing and playing the guitar. She was a kind, good-natured person who never met a stranger.

Florida is survived by her loving family: children: Gerri (Claude) Napier of Rensselaer, Charles “Beetle” (Peggy) Bailey of Winchester, Kentucky, Brenda (Paul) Denham of Rensselaer, Susie (Jim) Wall of Medaryville, and Nathian (Sonya) Bailey of Bailey’s Corner; one sister, Maxine Heims of Francesville; two brothers, Herman Stone of Rensselaer and Therman (Darlene) Stone of Bailey’s Corner; and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by: her parents, Kelley and Verdie Stone; husband, Pastor Jess Willard Bailey; two daughters, Barbara Owens and Betty Jean Kessler; and four sisters: Carmelle Owsley, Gladys Stepp, Alma Wireman, and Lorraine Bailey.

Visitation will be Tuesday, June 7, 2016 from 4-8 p.m. (CDT) at the United Baptist Church of Gillam Township in Bailey’s Corner. A Celebration of Life service will be held at the church on Tuesday evening at 6:00 p.m. (CDT). Funeral services will be on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. (CDT) at the United Baptist Church of Gillam Township with Pastor John Miller officiating. Interment will follow at Independence Cemetery. A funeral dinner will be held at the church following interment. Memorials may be made to Franciscan Home Health Care & Hospice or the United Baptist Church of Gillam Township. Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer is handling the arrangements. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.

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