Dorothy Mae (Russ) Bailey

Mother Dorothy Mae Russ Bailey, affectionately known as Mother Bailey, was a beacon of love and strength in her community. Born on Monday, May 11, 1931, in Jacob City, Florida, she was a daughter, a wife, a mother, and a cherished friend.

Her journey on this earth came to a peaceful close on Friday, September 13, 2024, in Marianna, Florida. Mother Bailey's life was a testament to the power of nurturing and caring for others, a legacy that will continue to inspire for generations.

Mother Bailey's early life in Jacob City laid the foundation for her compassionate spirit. She absorbed the values of love and service from her parents, Theo and Lena Baldwin Russ, and carried them forward throughout her life. Her devotion to her family was evident in every action, especially in the love she shared with her husband of 72 years, Deacon Cleveland Bailey, Sr. Together, they navigated the waves of life, and even in his absence, her love for him remained unwavering.

Her educational journey was not confined to the classroom but was deeply rooted in the lessons of life. Mother Bailey's innate ability to nurture was a gift that extended beyond her own family. It was this quality that brought her back to her hometown to care for her ailing parents, exemplifying the virtue of selflessness.

Professionally, "Mrs. Dorothy Mae" served with grace and diligence in the food service industry, touching lives at Gulf Pines Hospital, St. Joseph Country Club, and Gulf Sands Restaurant. Her work ethic and warmth made her a beloved figure in every establishment she graced.

Mother Bailey's faith was the cornerstone of her existence. After moving to Port St. Joe, Florida, she found her spiritual home at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. As Mother of the Church, a member of the Adult Choir, and a participant in the Mission Department, she lived her creed of "just pray about it", a phrase that became a source of comfort and guidance for many.

Her involvement with the Silver Star Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, was another avenue through which she spread her light. Mother Bailey's hobbies were as diverse as her talents—whether she was tending to her garden, fishing, sewing, solving crossword puzzles, or cheering on WWE wrestlers, her zest for life was infectious. Yet, her most cherished moments were those spent surrounded by her family, imparting her gentle wisdom without the need for many words.

Mother Bailey's life reminds us of the words of Maya Angelou, "Try to be a rainbow in someone else's cloud." Indeed, Mother Bailey was that rainbow for so many, her tears of love and appreciation for God a reflection of her deep faith and the joy she found in serving others.

She is survived by her sons: Cleveland Bailey, Jr. (Tonya) of Clearwater, Florida, the Reverend Carl Bailey of Jacob City, Florida, Leonard “Raye” Bailey (Jennifer) of Port St. Joe, Florida, Richard Bailey of Jacob City, Florida and Quamaine (LaShonda) Bailey of Chipley, Florida; daughters: Era Bailey Hicks of Jacob City, Florida, Brenda Fisher (Emanuel Jr.) all of Port St. Joe, Florida and Florence Lester (Keith) of Atlanta, Georgia; sisters and brother-in-law: Joe Pittman (Evelyn), Lorene Pittman and Lena Malone all both of Jacob City, Florida; thirty-three grandchildren; a host of great grandchildren; several great-great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
 

As we honor the extraordinary life of Mother Dorothy Mae Russ Bailey, let us carry forward her spirit of compassion and her belief in the power of prayer. Her presence may have graced this earth for a finite time, but her impact is eternal. Mother Bailey's life was a beautiful symphony of love, service, and faith, a melody that will resonate in the hearts of those she touched forever.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Dorothy Mae (Russ) Bailey, please visit our floral store.