Leona F. Bailey (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Leona Floella Bailey, daughter of Ila Lester and Bernie J. Morrison Watson, was born April 3, 1932, near Gainesville, Missouri. She departed this life on Friday, May 25, 2012, in Christian Health Care South, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of eighty years, one month, and twenty-two days.
On May 25, 1952, she was united in marriage to Marvin Lavern Bailey, and to this union two daughters and four sons were born. Leona passed away on what would have been her and Marvin’s sixtieth wedding anniversary.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Marvin, on August 25, 2006.
Leona is survived by four sons, Steve Bailey, and his wife, Linda, of Gainesville, Texas, Stan Bailey, and his wife, Tammie, Stewart Bailey, and his wife, Susan, all of Conway, Missouri, and Scott Bailey, and his wife, Rhodonda, of Urbana, Missouri; two daughters, Sharon Morton, and her husband, Bruce, of Katy, Texas, and Suzann Briggs, and her husband, Kurtis, of Cheyenne, Wyoming; twenty-one grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; a brother, Neldon Watson, and his wife, Sue, of Abilene, Texas; two sisters, Bonita Duncan, and her husband, Willis, of Springdale, Arkansas, and Deanna Ely, and her husband, Wade, of Conway, Arkansas; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in the Gainesville, Missouri community, and then moved with her family to Springfield, Missouri, where she graduated from Central High School. She then worked at Heer’s Department Store, and during this time she met her future husband, Marvin, while roller skating one evening. After they were married, they made their home in various locations while her husband pursued a career in the military. Throughout the years, Leona was a devoted homemaker to her husband and family and also worked for Lowe’s. Eventually the family settled in Conway, Missouri for several years, before moving to Nebraska for a short time. They retired to the Lebanon area, and Leona worked as an upholsterer at Helton’s Furniture for several years.
Leona was a longtime member of South Five Church of Christ in Lebanon.
In her spare time she enjoyed sewing quilts, gardening, and playing dominos with her friends. She had a love for animals and liked to take in stray pets. Her family was always foremost in her life and she especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Leona was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them throughout her lifetime.
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