By Doug Spencer
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  • Visitation

    Friday December 6, 2024

    10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

    House of Prayer - Albion, IL

  • Service

    Friday December 6, 2024

    2:00 p.m.

    House of Prayer - Albion, IL

    Graveside service will follow at Graceland Cemetery, east of Albion, IL

  • Full Obituary

    Mary L. Bailey, 90, of Albion, IL, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2024, just days after celebrating her 90th birthday.

    Mary was born in Griffin, IN, on November 24, 1934, daughter of Virgil and Mildred Hancock. She was united in marriage to Edward L. Bailey on October 30th, 1962. Mary was a member of the Albion First United Methodist Church. Mary was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and an irreplaceable member of her community. Her kindness and dedication touched countless lives. Mary spent her life devoted to family, friends, and community service.

    Mary is survived by her loving husband of 62 years, Edward L. Bailey; her brothers David Hancock and Tom Hancock: her children, daughter Jay Yonda and her partner Patrick Clark, and son Todd Bailey and his wife Linda Bailey; and her grandchildren, Yale Epler and his wife Megan Epler (and their son James Epler), Mackenzie Epler and her partner Ethan Fernandes (and their sons Ryden and Vallen Fernandes), Presley Bailey, and Stephanie Johnson and her son Simon Miller. Known to her family and many others as “Mums", Mary’s warmth, love, and boundless encouragement defined her role as the heart of her family.

    Mary’s passion for her community shone through in her tireless volunteering. She served over 40 years on the Edwards County Fair Board and Roy Luthe Memorial Park Board and she spearheaded the Memorial Arch project on the square. Her leadership and commitment extended to countless other community projects, where her influence and enthusiasm inspired others to join in making Albion, IL a better place.

    A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Mary was proud to support her team even while surrounded by St. Louis Cardinal fans. She also found great joy in attending Edwards County Lions sporting events, cheering on local athletes with her characteristic energy and pride. Her other passions included horses and cooking.

    Over the years Mary was honored as Citizen of the Year & most recently awarded The Brick Pillar of the Community Award. Mary will be remembered for her selflessness, generosity, and the enduring love she shared with her family, friends, and community. Her legacy of compassion and service will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know her.

    A Celebration of Life for Mary Bailey will be held on Friday December 6, 2024 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. at The House of Prayer in Albion, IL with Pastors David Kelly, Kenny Bailey and David Shain officiating. A graveside service will follow at Graceland Cemetery, east of Albion, IL.

    The family extends their deepest gratitude to the Albion community for their love and support during this time. Mary’s remarkable spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

    Ingram Meridith Funeral Home, Albion, IL.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

5 Condolences
 
  1. Curtis Ingram / December 2, 2024 at 6:30 pm

    Sorry to hear of Mary Lois passing, We will all miss the smile,laughter and community leader that was Mary Lois.. She was a bright light in this world. May you find comfort in knowing that she left a beautiful impression on everyone she met. With sympathy and love.
    Curtis and Dolores Ingram

  2. john o jones / December 3, 2024 at 9:38 am

    Ed and family so sorry for your loss. She was always smiling and so upbeat about everything and loved ALBION i always enjoyed seeing her God Bless Retired Senator John O. Jones

  3. Mark Hazel /Mark Hazel Carriers / December 5, 2024 at 9:34 am

    So soryy for your loss , was saddend to hear about this . Prayers and thoughts to you and your Family

  4. Roger Craft / December 6, 2024 at 4:35 am

    My condolences to the family. Mary was a great lady and will be very missed by all the lives she touched! She was a very kind neighbor, church and community enthusiast as well as a fine music appreciator. May the family find comfort and peace!

    Roger Craft

  5. Connie Loyd / December 8, 2024 at 9:48 am

    Fred & Connie Loyd

    We are so sorry to hear of Mary’s passing. She was a wonderful lady always brought cheer to everyone she met. We saw her last summer and had a good long visit with her.
    She was a special lady and eill be missed by many.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, may friends and the community of Albion.

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