Shirley Ann Stewart Bailey

Shirley Ann Stewart Bailey, age 84 of Franklin, Tennessee passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 29, 2024 with her family by her side.

Born October 31, 1939 to Willie Charles and Mary Bell Cobb Stewart in Adrian, Georgia, Shirley grew up in the rural countryside with her younger brother Charles. Sadly, their mother passed away when Shirley was just three years old. Later, her father, a young widower with two small children, married Mary Frances and they had a daughter, Marilyn. 

In high school, Shirley met, fell in love and married Harold Eugene Bailey on August 3, 1956 in Wrightsville, Georgia. Early in their marriage, they lived in several cities before finally settling in Milledgeville, Georgia where they raised their two sons, Terry and David. In 1975, the family relocated one last time to Nashville, Tennessee.

Shirley was a devoted wife and cherished her role as a homemaker, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and loved her family beyond measure. She and Harold celebrated over 50 years of marriage before his passing in 2009.

She always described herself as shy but easily made friends wherever she went. She adored the playfulness and innocence of children and because of her petite stature, they were naturally drawn toward her and her innate goodness. Shirley was a shining example of kindness and patience, with a generosity of spirit that welcomed everyone with an open heart.

Shirley also loved to garden and to be surrounded by the beauty of flowers, to hear the melody of songbirds and to catch a glimpse of tiny woodland creatures.

Strong in her faith, she trusted in the Lord completely and leaned into His Word during times of great joy as well as in times of adversity. 

Shirley is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Terry and Michelle Bailey of Franklin, Tennessee, son and daughter-in-law, David and Katie Bailey of Nashville, Tennessee; three granddaughters Kaitlyn Bailey Jones of Chapel Hill, Tennessee, Kristyn Bailey and Karolyne Bailey both of Nashville, Tennessee; and three great-grandchildren, Kanaan Bailey, Katherine Jones and Farrah Bailey. She is also survived by her nephew James Derek Knowles, Jr. and his wife Stephanie of Hardwick, Georgia and nieces, Dana Brown and husband Charlie of Milledgeville, Georgia and Gena Goff and husband Tony of Eatonton, Georgia.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was predeceased by her brother, Charles William Stewart, husband Harold G. Bailey, sister, Marilyn Alice Stewart Knowles and nephew, Charles G. Stewart.

There will be a small, private graveside service for the family Saturday, June 1 at Harpeth Hills Memory Garden, 9090 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221, 615-646-9292.

In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to make a donation to a favored charity in her memory.