Barbara Ann Bailey

Barbara Ann Bailey, age 94 of Grand Rapids, was called home to Heaven on December 13, 2022. She was born March 5, 1928 to Jacob and Jennie (Richards) Farrell in Ensley Township, the youngest of nine siblings.

Throughout her 94 years, Barbara loved friends and family. She was generous to all who knew her. She always looked for ways to help other people. She started her life growing up on a farm in Ensley and then moved to Grand Rapids with her family during the Great Depression. Barbara married Howard Bailey on May 15, 1953. They initially lived in Rockford MI but moved several times. Barbara was a great hostess and welcomed people to her home no matter where she lived. Barbara was an avid gardener who loved to tend her flowers.

After moving back to the Grand Rapids area from Elkhart IN, Barbara joined the community of Christ followers at North Park Baptist Church. Barbara was deeply rooted in her faith and love for her Lord Jesus.

Barbara will be remembered best as a generous and giving person who loved everyone. She loved her family, especially her extended family of nieces and nephews. She will be missed greatly.

Barbara is survived by her daughter, Cathy; nieces and nephews Janet Wilson, David (Sharon) Bailey, Sheri (Dan) Slater, Susan Bailey, Patty (Dan) Szczepanek, and Sharen Nielsen; as well as her sister-in-law Pearl Bailey. She was preceded in death by her husband Howard; sisters Pauline Kinney and Martha Reames; close nephew Edward Kinney; and her parents.

A memorial and celebration of life will take place on January 7, 2023, at noon at North Park Baptist Church 3365 Coit Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525. There will be a visitation time from 11 am to noon.

Private inurnment will take place at Blythefield Memory Gardens.

Memorial donations in Barbara’s memory can be made to the Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired 456 Cherry St. SE Grand Rapids MI.