Mary Jo Bailey

Mary Jo Bailey passed away peacefully at her home in Linthicum, Maryland on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at the remarkable age of 98. She was born on January 27, 1926, in Fellowsville, West Virginia, to Marcelas “Clint” and Dora Wolfe. Mary Jo was the beloved wife of 58 years to the late Vernon Ray Bailey, who predeceased her in 2004.

Mary Jo is survived by her daughter, Mary Elizabeth Riffee, and her husband Gary of Millersville, Maryland; her son Vernon Kyle Bailey and his wife Angela of Kinsale, Virginia; her granddaughter Lynn Neumann and husband Karl, along with their sons Zachary, Benjamin, and Joshua, all of Millersville, Maryland; her grandson John H. Shoemaker and his wife Erin, with their children Nicolas and Emma of Urbana, Maryland. She is also survived by her great-great-granddaughter Lainey Neumann, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mary Jo was preceded in death by her three sisters: Opal Walter, Beryl Jacobs Gregory, and Ruby Thomas.

Mary Jo lived in West Virginia until 1964 when she and her husband Vernon moved to Maryland for his position with the B & O Railroad. The couple enjoyed traveling across the United States in their motorhome, visiting countless states and national parks. They also cherished time at their Ocean City home, where they often hosted family and friends.

Mary Jo was renowned for her culinary skills, particularly her homemade desserts. Every Christmas, she prepared her famous applesauce cakes, a tradition that grew each year as word of their deliciousness spread. At one point, she was making up to 20 cakes annually. She was also celebrated for her apple dumplings, beef vegetable soup, and canned goods, including peaches, tomatoes, and pepper jelly.

A longtime member of the Linthicum Heights United Methodist Church, Mary Jo enjoyed the fellowship of her many lady friends there. She cherished her summers spent vacationing with family, fishing, sightseeing, and reconnecting with old friends and her sisters.

In her later years, Mary Jo was surrounded by a devoted group of Caregivers Mary C, Cresanta, Sharon and led by dear family friend Nanette Teters, who provided her with loving support and companionship.

Mary Jo's warmth, kindness, and exceptional talents will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A visitation will be held Sunday, September 29, 2024 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home, MMP Inc., 7250 Washington Blvd, Elkridge, MD 21075. A funeral service will be held Monday, September 30, 2024 at 10:30AM, Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home. Interment immediately following at Meadowridge Memorial Park.