Elaine Bailey

Evelyn Elaine Bailey was born October 2, 1949 in Lawrenceville, GA to Deward and Thelma Dodd Bailey and passed peacefully into her eternal rest on January 15, 2022 in Gulfport, MS.

Elaine was preceded in death by her grandparents Joe & Lula Dodd and Floyd & Elizabeth Green Bailey, her parents, her stepmother Eula Peppers Bailey, sister Frances Curry and her infant sons, brother-in-law Hubert McMillan and his infant twin son, and infant great-nephew Cameron. Elaine is survived by her beloved sister, Jackie McMillan, her nephew Jeffrey and his wife Janice McMillan and their sons Zachary and Ian, and her nephew Mark and his wife Karen McMillan and their children Michael, Bridget, and Andrew, her stepsisters Marcia Partee and her daughter Christie, Cathy Bailey, and Sheila Bailey.

By all accounts Elaine lived a most interesting life and by her rules. During her life, she served in US Army, where she was a dental hygienist. Naturally curious, she held many long-term jobs where she excelled and always received high marks on her performance reviews. Some of her jobs included quality control engineer, telephone operator, even as a chemist in a bakery and a cake decorator, but her favorite job was as a correctional officer in Atlanta, where she worked with the rehabilitation of women at a transitional center. Some of her families’ favorite stories included hearing about her hitchhiking across the country and growing up with her two sisters. Nothing was more infectious than to hear her belly laughs while talking with her family and friends. Elaine was known for her quick wit, spicy language, and love of knowledge. Elaine had two great passions- animals and
books. None could escape her notice or care.

Her family would like to thank the staff at Gulfport Memorial Hospital, especially those on the 7th floor, as well as Canon Hospice, and Fr. Cuddy O’Connell, who allowed Elaine to live her final days peacefully with love and dignity. A private service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Humane Society of South MS, 2715 Hwy 49, Gulfport, MS 39501.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, is serving the family.