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After a life of love & service to the Lord, Oleta Jean (Lee) Bailey began rejoicing at the feet of her Savior on July 2, 2023.
Jean was born on March 3, 1930 in Wellston, OK to Raymond Floyd Lee and Mary Louisa Lee. She grew up in Wellston where she attended school and graduated in 1948. Continuing her education she then went Central State College in Edmond, OK graduating in 1951 with a degree in Education and a minor in Home Economics. A few years later, she received her Master's in Teaching.
The Assembly of God Church in Wellston was her home church until moving to Stroud, OK in 1951. Her Junior High Sunday School teacher had mentioned to the class one day that mom had 'cut her teeth on the back of the pews" in that church. Her grandfather, Jodie Smith, was one of the members who established that church.
Jean married Billy Eugene Bailey Sr. on July 19, 1963. They were married for 45 years until his death in April of 2009. They raised two children together, Billy Eugene Bailey, Jr. of Stroud, OK and Janet Lee (Bailey) Hester (husband Kyle Hester) of Kilgore, TX.
She was an active member at Stroud First Assembly of God church for 71 years. During those years she taught Junior Classes, CA's and also served as the Sunday School secretary and participated in Women's Ministry.
Many people in Stroud knew her simply as "Ms. "Lee" or "Ms. Bailey". She began her 37 year teaching career at Stroud Elementary School in 1951. She nurtured her students and supported their parents. As an avid reader herself, she was passionate about giving each student the opportunity to become an excellent reader. She cherished keeping in touch with her students as time went on and always counted it a special treat to see her former students while she was running an errand in town, especially if she got the chance to meet their children too.
Jean enjoyed her trips to Grand Lake with Bill & Billy fishing in the summers. She loved to travel and plan trips for her family every chance she got. Some of her favorites were their many trips to Arkansas, where her family was from, as well as Missouri, Tennessee, Colorado, and New Mexico. Of all her travels, she was most known for her trips to Texas to visit her grandchildren and always looked forward to a golf cart ride around the property of her favorite son-in-law, Kyle.
As a woman of many talents, a few of the hobbies she perfected were: sewing, crocheting, ceramics, toll-painting, and cross-stitching. She could also solve a challenging crossword puzzle faster than most.
In her later years, Wednesday afternoons were set aside for her Forever Friends Bunco group. Along with their friendships, she enjoyed sharing recipes, life updates and always looked forward to what 'prize she might bring home that week.
Jean was the very proud Mamaw of five grandchildren: Jessica Gramling and husband Stephen of Kilgore, TX, Brady Hester of Nacogdoches, TX, Emily Moore and husband Greg of Nacogdoches, TX, Kalen English and husband Joshua of Flint, TX, and Carson Hester of Nacogdoches, TX. She was equally blessed to be the Great Mamaw of Katie, Cohen, Kamryn, Weston and Brooks.
Throughout her life she remained a faithful prayer warrior; turning first to Christ for her needs and then to those who would join with her in prayer. You could be assured that if your name was on the prayer list at church, then you were also on "Ms. Bailey's" prayer list at home. (She kept a notebook, so of this we're certain.) Jean was especially grateful for the prayers her family, friends, and church family spoke over her throughout her years.
Our family would like to express our utmost gratitude to Traditions Health for the excellent service they have provided to our mom these past few months. A very special thank you to Katie and Jackie for the care and comfort you've provided during this time.
Service to honor Jean will be Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 10:00 am at Stroud First Assembly of God with burial to follow at Wellston Cemetery. Online condolences and memories may be shared by visiting www.parksbrothers.net. Care services are under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Service in Stroud, OK.
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