Ruth Virginia Bailey

RUTH VIRGINIA PALMER BAILEY was born March 23, 1924 in Houston, Texas (Third Ward). She was the second child born to William Alfred and Richard Estelle Palmer. She attended Blackshear Elementary School, Ryan Middle School and graduated from Jack Yates High School. She furthered her education at Texas Southern University, where she earned an Associate Degree in Sociology. Ruth Virginia met Hosea Lamar Bailey in 1940 at the age of 16. They were united in holy matrimony two years later. To this union was born 13 children: Allean Estelle (Butch), Brenda Ruth, Kathy Louise, Hosea Lamar Jr, Lydia Raye, Orin Leroy, Thomas Earl, Nancy Elizabeth, Melvin Roy, Lee Cavanaugh, John Eric, Mark Samuel, and Howard Lloyd. Ruth Virginia received Christ at an early age. She was baptized at St. John Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. N.C. Crain. Her love for music was extraordinary. She and her sisters sang and ministered under the name “The Palmer Sisters” and she was the pianist for the group. After marrying Hosea Bailey and purchasing their first home in Sunnyside Gardens, she became a member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church where Rev. Hoxie Perry Jr. was the pastor. She served as youth choir matron and pianist. After years of service at Mt. Moriah, Rev. Perry commissioned Sis. Bailey to assist with a new church that was founded in Third Ward by the late Rev. Samuel C. Ammons. What began as a short-term missionary assignment ended in a lifetime membership and commitment for Deacon and Sis. Bailey at Liberty Baptist Church. Sis Bailey served faithfully as the first Mission president, church musician, and choir member for many years. She loved Liberty Baptist Church and served there faithfully until she was no longer physically able to do so. Ruth Bailey was preceded in death by her parents William and Richard Estelle Palmer; her beloved husband, Deacon Hosea Bailey Sr.; a daughter, Allean Estelle Stepney; two sons, Lee Cavanaugh and John Eric; grandson, Jimmy Stepney Jr., 3 siblings, Ellen Alfreda Barnes, Willie Beatrice Navy, and William Palmer Jr. She entered into eternal rest on Saturday, October 21, 2017. She leaves to cherish her memory one sibling, Phyllis Marie Price; one sister-in-law, Ada Fae Harris, ten children Brenda Ruth Jackson, Kathy Louise Williams (Henry), Hosea Lamar Jr. (Lois), Lydia Raye Ethridge (Harold), Orin Leroy Sr. (Wanda), Thomas Earl (Margaret), Nancy Elizabeth Richie (Kevin), Melvin Roy (Adrianne), Mark Samuel (Paula), and Howard Lloyd Sr.; 22 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.