Obituaries

Shirley J Bailey

March 30, 1948 - July 29, 2024

Shirley Jean Bailey, 76, of Lakeland Florida, passed away peacefully at her home on July 29, 2024. She was born in Petoskey, Michigan, on March 30, 1948, the daughter of Roland and Esther (Sauder) Warren. She attended Petoskey High School and on June 16, 1966, she married her high school sweetheart, Michael Bailey, Sr.

In 1978, Mike and Shirley and their two sons made their home in Lakeland Florida. Shirley was an entrepreneur and owned a children’s daycare from her home. She also co-owned Marchets Toys and Hobbies in Lakeland with her longtime friend Karen Maxwell. She was an excellent cook and catered for many local weddings. She loved playing Bunco with her lady friends and donating time to her community. Many of “her girls” will be remembered selling enough Girl Scout cookies to earn a trip to New York City.

Shirley dearly loved her family, and she will be greatly missed. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Michael Bailey, Sr and her 2 sons, Michael Bailey, Jr. of Lakeland and David Terry, Bailey of Atlanta, Georgia; two sisters, Marty (Michael) Clark, of Petoskey, Michigan and Carol Paul Gould of Trenton, Michigan; grandchildren, Jamie Bailey of Jacksonville, Florida, Stacie (Izic) Woodall of Lakeland Florida, in Sean Bailey of Lakeland, Florida; great grandchildren, Jake, Woodall and Cole Bailey, as well as many nieces and nephews. Shirley was predeceased and death by her parents and one brother, Ralph Warren.

Shirley was loving cared for by Vitas Healthcare of Lakeland and donations can be made in her name to Lakeland Vitas Hospice, 115 S Missouri Ave, Suite 350, Lakeland, Fl 33815