Elizabeth J. Bailey

Elizabeth “Betty” J. Bailey age 94 of Mattoon IL passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at Odd Fellow-Rebekah Home. A funeral Mass in her honor will be held at 10 AM, Thursday, December 5, 2024, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church located at 320 N. 21st St., Mattoon, IL 61938. A committal service will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery in Mattoon IL. The visitation will be held from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Wednesday evening, December 4, 2024, at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. Elizabeth was born on May 7, 1930, in Mattoon IL to the late E. Glen and Elizabeth C. (Littleton) Nichols. She married James R. Bailey in January 1947; he preceded her in death on March 23, 1990. She is survived by eleven children: Cynthia L. Hillary of Tampa, FL, Sally C. Russell of Shelbyville, IL, Susan K. (Denny) Allen of Estero, FL, James R. (Fran) Bailey of Conway, AR, Christie R. Randall of Charleston, IL, Rebecca A. (Gary) Gangi of Chapel Hill, NC, John E. (Jean) Bailey of Mattoon, IL, Jeff M. (Teri) Bailey of Charleston, IL, Anthony G. (Sheryl) Bailey of Hope Mills, NC, Angela M. Leon of Monroe, CT, and Lisa R. Doggett of Flowery Branch, GA; thirty-one grandchildren; forty-four great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Paula J. Duncan of Seffner, FL, sister-in-law, Maralyn Nichols of Mattoon, IL. She is preceded in death by one son, Joseph W. Bailey on March 22, 2018; brother, Mike C. Nichols on January 11, 2021; and brother-in-law, Dan Duncan on December 12, 2009. Betty was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Mattoon, IL. She worked as a Certified Nurses Aid at Mattoon Hospital for many years and then continued her career at Monroe Hospital in Ocala, FL. While living in Ocala,FL, Elizabeth lived in a resort style retirement community called On Top of the World. She participated in many amenities and recreational activities there, especially swimming and taking day trips to plays and sightseeing. She enjoyed playing bridge with her friends and traveling to other countries with her family and friends. In 2005, Betty moved back home to Mattoon, IL to be near her family and friends that she missed dearly. She was the matriarch of the family who was a devoted and loving mother and grandmother who always placed her family first. They were the center of her life. She will be remembered for her warmth, selflessness, and dedication to her loved ones. Betty will be cherished and remembered by all who knew her. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in her honor or share a memory with the family.

Tributes

Elizabeth J. Bailey

May 7, 1930 - November 28, 2024