Helen "Shoy" Bailey

We are sad to announce the passing of Helen Joy Bailey on May 19th, 2023, from Norman, OK, age 96. Lovingly known to everyone as Shoy, a nickname adopted by all when she was a child because her best friend and cousin couldn’t pronounce Helen Joy correctly.

She was born in Snyder, OK and moved to Norman when she was 10. She went to Norman High School where she was crowned “football queen” and graduated from The University of Oklahoma.

Shoy was an avid OU fan, a fan of sports and games in general. She was game to play anything anytime, the last was a few rounds of Connect 4 with her youngest Jax in March.

One of her greatest achievements was reaching Grand Life Master status in Duplicate Bridge, nationally recognized and published in the American Bridge Association Members bulletin. She also taught and ran the club in Norman as the director.

Show loved to travel and attend many bridge tournaments and several cruises; her favorite was Alaska. We vacationed every summer and some highlights were Niagara Falls, a couple trips to Disney World, and many to Las Vegas.

Shoy was one of the best cooks anyone has ever known and finished a crossword puzzle every day.

She was proceeded in death and now happily reunited with the love of her life Justin “Jud” Bailey. Her mother and father, Coleen Clapham and Levi Donald. Her dearly loved Grandmother Lela Mae and Jasper Clapham, member of the 1st OU football team. Her son-in-law Jim Constant, many friends, cousins, aunts and uncles and most recently her “little brother” J. Portwood, who both had the best most onery laughs you’ve ever heard.

Loving, generous and kind, she will be greatly missed by the surviving family members including sister-in-law Gayle Portwood, many cousins, nieces and nephews. Mostly by her son Clay Bailey and daughter Carolyn Constant. Her grandchildren Kristi and Alli and great-grandchildren Dylan, Kara, and Jax.

Many have said, and there is no truer statement, “she was a very special lady”.

A graveside service for Shoy will be held Tuesday, May 23, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Norman IOOF Cemetery, 1913 N. Porter Ave, Norman, OK 73071.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.primrosefuneralservice.com for the Bailey family.