Shirley Mae Bailey's Obituary
Shirley Mae Bailey, 89, of Eustis, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 25, 2026. Born on July 13, 1936, in Kansas City, Missouri, Shirley was the daughter of the late James and Blanche McClaskey. Shirley graduated from East High School, Kansas City, MO in 1954. She made her home in Eustis for about 45 years. She was a Christian believing in the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior.
She built her life centered on faith, family, quiet devotion and prayer. Shirley loved her Don Juan roses, her vegetable garden and the many families of bluebirds that nested in her backyard. Known for her loyalty and gentle spirit, Shirley was deeply loved by all who knew her. Throughout her career, she worked faithfully as a bookkeeper, a role that reflected her dedication and steady nature.
She is survived by her loving husband, David B. Bailey of Eustis; her children, Michael J. (Justin) Hamilton of Ocala, Florida; twin daughters, Karen E. (Peter) Kehde and Kathy A. Chaudoin, both of Leesburg, Florida; Diane L. Hamilton of Harrison, Arkansas; and Julie D. (Marcus) Johnson of St. Cloud, Florida. She is also survived by her sisters, Barbara J. (Barry) Williams of Grain Valley, Missouri; Gloria F. (Thurlo Ray) Minge of Viola, Arkansas; and Karen S. Hughes of Lebanon, Missouri; along with seven grandchildren, Kelly A. (Gerald Bowles) Messer, Ryan C. (Jennifer) Robbins, Caroline Barringer, Olivia Campbell, Ethan Johnson, Justin (Alysha) Nichols, Andrea Phillips and nine great-grandchildren, Dalton Messer, Blake Messer, Garrett Messer, Kyle Messer, Linsey Messer, Ally Nichols, Joe Nichols, Oliver Johnson, Landon Mansfield, all who brought her immense pride and joy. She was also preceded in death by her grandparents, Dennis G. Baker, Pearl May Tyner Baker, Allie Montgomery McClaskey, Charles McClaskey; beloved son-in-law, Glenn Chaudoin; beloved daughter-in-law, Maddie Hamilton; brother, Raymond C. McClaskey, sister, Mary Ann White, great-grandson, Dylan J. Schnidt.
Services will be held at First Baptist Church of Umatilla on Thursday, March 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:00 until 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Lakeside Memory Gardens, Eustis. Shirley’s life was a testament to kindness, faithfulness, and enduring love. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered by her family and friends.
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