Shirley Ann Bailey

Shirley Ann Bailey, age 85, of Henderson, KY, passed away at 1:20 am, Thursday, October 17, 2024, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh, IN. Shirley was like the sunshine who spread her light and warmth to everyone she met and everything she touched. Her laughter and infectious smile could be seen lighting up any and every social gathering. She loved to fellowship with the Silvertones at First Baptist Church, the Silver Sneakers at the YMCA, her Aqua Aerobics group and her cherished friends at the Gathering Place. Her social calendar was always overflowing. If there was a party, Shirley would be right in the middle of it dancing and having the time of her life. But behind that disarming smile lay the heart of a competitor. Anything from bowling to a game of Monopoly, she was out to win it. She took pride in the many medals she won at the Gathering Place Senior Olympics. Shirley’s sense of fashion and décor was only outdone by her own inner brightness. To be in a room with her was like stepping into her show. She had a knack for drama, appearing in Hollywood movies, television game shows and local plays. She played a dulcimer with her sisters in their traveling band, Kinfolk. Shirley enjoyed reading novel after novel and tending her gardens with a green thumb that could transform any nook or cranny into a blossoming wonderland. Her children and grandchildren were the center of her life and most recently she enjoyed time with her new great granddaughter. She could always be seen front and center cheering them on at baseball games, band competitions, swim meets and dance recitals. She was their biggest fan. Shirley was young at heart. She loved life and traveling. She especially loved making the holidays special for her family in every way she could, often going over the top with food, decorations, and her enthusiasm. In addition to her parents, Turner and Lucy English, Shirley was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Terry Bailey in 2019, brother Jimmie English, and sister Betty Newman. She is survived by her daughters Beth Bailey (Hilton “Owen” Hazelwood) of Evansville, IN, and Bonny Riedell (Benjamin) of Henderson, KY; son Bruce Bailey (Tori) of Henderson, KY; sisters Debby Holsing of Henderson, KY, and Phyllis Howard of Hilton Head, SC; sister-in-law, Patsy English of Somerset, KY; grandchildren: Asher Davenport, Jonah Polley (Jessica), Logan Bailey, and Dylan Bailey (McKenzie); and her great-grandchild, Rudie Jo Polley; step grandchildren: David Tyrie, Sandi Tyrie, and Amanda Tyrie; numerous nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited to Shirley’s Life Celebration at Benton-Glunt & Tapp Funeral Home in Henderson, Kentucky. Visitation is from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday Oct. 25th, and again on Saturday at 9:00 a.m. with the funeral service following at 11:00 a.m., October 26, 2024. Reverend Rick O’Daniel will officiate. A private burial will be held at a later date in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Henderson, KY. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to The Gathering Place: 1817 N Elm St, Henderson, KY, 42420. Arrangements entrusted to Benton-Glunt & Tapp Funeral Home, A Life Celebration® Home, online condolences may be made at www.bentongluntandtappfuneralhome.com.

Shirley Ann Bailey

September 10, 1939 - October 17, 2024