Mary Harriss Whitaker Bailey
Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Tuesday, March 10, 2015, Mary Harriss Whitaker Bailey, 82; wife of Heyward H. Bailey for 62 years;
Born November 24, 1932 in Madison, GA, Mary grew up in Augusta as a joyful, sweet-spirited girl, the youngest child and only daughter of the Whitaker family, who owned and managed some of the community’s finest hotels and restaurants. From 1948 – 1951, the family managed Jekyll Island, its holdings and The Jekyll Island Club resort for the state of Georgia, where Mary served in many capacities, honing her talents in food preparation and dining services. Upon moving back to Augusta after this period, she continued service alongside her family in the hospitality industry and graduated from Tubman High School, culminating her education with an Associate’s Degree from Augusta College where she studied home economics. Throughout her life and in every circle, Mary was well-known for her culinary gifts and creativity in handcrafted arts.
Mary married Heyward Holson Bailey of Augusta, GA in June 1953. The Baileys moved away from Augusta for Heyward’s 36-year career in management with the J.C. Penney company. In partnership with Heyward, Mary gracefully dedicated herself to the hospitality responsibilities of a manager’s wife in their many homes throughout the years, including: Savannah, GA; Jackson, MS: Knoxville, TN; Oklahoma City, OK; Anderson, SC; Newport News, VA; and Carrollton, VA. Upon their retirement, the Baileys returned to their beloved hometown of Augusta in 1987.
The couple raised a strong family. Mary is survived by her husband, Heyward; two daughters, Elizabeth Bailey Hodges of Newport News, VA and Lydia Bailey Brown and son-in-law, Michael C. Brown of Louisville, KY; three grandchildren, Michael Cary Brown, II of Maryville, TN; Callie Page Brown of Schererville, IN; and Tyler Harriss Hodges of Hampton, VA; brother, Robert H. Whitaker, Sr. and his wife, Margaret of Atlanta, GA; and sister-in-law, Jerusha Whitaker of Augusta. She is also survived by three nephews and three nieces and their families. Mary’s passing was preceded by that of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Barney B. Whitaker, Sr. and brother, Barney B. Whitaker, Jr. Mary’s calling card was her large and loving heart, with which she made friends, loved ones, and new “family members” wherever she went.
Mary was a strong believer in Jesus Christ and a follower of His teachings. During her teenage years she led community devotions at Jekyll Island Chapel. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Augusta, where she taught Sunday School and Training Union, and worshiped alongside many lifelong friends and family.
The family of Mary Bailey would like to express appreciation to the staff of Augusta Oncology and Dr. Sharad Ghamande for their love and care. Friends are welcomed to honor Mary’s memory with donations to The Lydia Project at http://thelydiaproject.org, “where women coping with cancer are not alone.”
A graveside service will be Friday March 13, 2015 at 11 A.M. at Westover Memorial Park with Dr. Greg DeLoach officiating.
The family will receive friends Thursday, from 6PM – 8PM, at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com