Marguerite "Rita" Lovern Bailey

Marguerite Lovern Bailey, of Williamsburg, VA, peacefully passed away on November 2, 2023, surrounded by her family. Born on May 27, 1931, in Library, PA, an aunt immediately dubbed her “Rita” because Marguerite was “too big a name for such a little girl.” If she only knew the enormity of love and caring little Rita would spread among so many throughout her lifetime!

Rita moved to Winter Haven, FL, where she lived with her aunt and uncle, Hazel and Sam Fanning. In 1949, she graduated from Winter Haven High School and attended Florida State University for two years. She spent her summers in Montcalm, WV, where she met and fell in love with a handsome, young Midshipman, Garnett Bailey. Upon his graduation from the Naval Academy and commissioning as a Marine Corps officer, they were married in the Bland Street Methodist Church in Bluefield, WV on June 14, 1952, thus beginning a 68-year love story until Garnett’s passing in 2020. She will always be remembered as a deeply loving, caring person, a dedicated wife and mother, and a lifelong partner.

The Marine Corps sent them many places, most times as a family, but sometimes separately due to multiple unaccompanied assignments. Through it all, Rita’s strength and independence provided a loving home where she raised two beautiful daughters while making life’s events both fun and educational. Her favorite duty station, by far, was Hawaii. Here, she found joy in flower arranging and easily fit into the 50th State’s spirit of aloha (love) and o’hana (family). When Garnett retired, they settled in Fairfax, VA, where she lived for 46 years before moving to Williamsburg in 2022 to be closer to Suzie and Jeff.

Rita cherished her role as a stay at home mother. Being involved in her daughters’ activities brought her great joy. She was a room mother, a Girl Scout leader, and an assistant on Suzie’s cheerleading squad. Not until Suzie was in college would she begin working as an Administrative Secretary at Fairfax County Social Services where she worked for many years until retiring in 1997.

Rita’s faith was a cornerstone of her life. A lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, she was the church secretary and “go to” person in Hawaii. At Fairfax UMC, she was an active member of the Congregational Care Team, a ministry for which she was ideally suited with her spirit of love, kindness, generosity and giving. The giving nature of her persona continued when Garnett became ill and she became his devoted and loving caregiver.

Rita was a vibrant, active participant in life. An avid football fan, two of her favorite teams were the Redskins and Navy. She was well-known as the ultimate hostess at all Class of ’52 tailgates. She traveled with Garnett to support other USNA ’52 and Marine Corps activities, no matter what they were… reunions, tours, funerals… and was always willing to help and support these extended families. She was also actively engaged in Garnett’s many Masonic and Shriner activities. Together, they also travelled the world, whether it was to Europe or their annual trip to Hilton Head, SC.

Rita had a special flair for forging and maintaining lifelong friendships. Her family and friends were very important to her. Not a holiday, birthday, or anniversary would pass without Rita sending a card to celebrate and remember you. Although petite, her heart was oversized and her love was limitless. She had a spark for life and lived a lifetime of grace, kindness, compassion, and gratitude for the family and friends she was given. She was truly a gift to all who knew her.

Rita is survived by her daughters, Suzie Sterrett (Jeff), Becky Guenthner, sister Patsy Fultz, nephews, Phil Mahood (Valerie), Jimmy Bailey (Cathy), Richard Fultz, niece Kim Croy (Brian), sister-in-law, Pam Lovern, and many thoughtful and loving cousins. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Garnett Bailey, parents, Fitzhugh and Isabel Schultz, brother, Donald Lovern, and sister, Joan Mahood.

The family would like to thank the 2nd Floor staff of Brookdale Chambel AL2, Dr. Christopher Boquist and the staff of Sentara Family Practice - Williamsburg, Amedysis Hospice staff, and especially, the staff of Hospice House of Williamsburg.

Donations may be made in Rita’s memory to The Hospice House of Williamsburg, 4445 Powhatan Pkwy., Williamsburg, VA 23188.

A memorial service at Fairfax United Methodist Church and burial at Arlington National Cemetery will be held at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NelsenWilliamsburg.com.