Overview:
Beloved Cincinnati teacher and active church leader Callie Ruth Bailey, 88, passed away. She leaves behind a strong legacy of faith and family. Funeral services will be held on March 16 at The Well Church.
Contributed by the
Family of Callie Bailey
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…” – 2 Timothy 4:7 and 8
Callie Ruth Bailey of Cincinnati, known as “Sister Bailey,” transitioned to join our Heavenly Father on February 19, 2024. She was 88. Mrs. Bailey, born Callie Ruth Ware to the proud parents, store owner and insurance representative Laddie B. Ware and Principal and Superintendent of Schools Duree Stith Ware, on March 6, 1935, in Okolona, Mississippi. Later, the family moved to Shannon, Mississippi.
Callie confessed a hope in Christ and was baptized at Pine Grove Missionary Baptist Church at an early age. She was a very active member and leader of her church, to include Vacation Bible School, pianist, director of the Junior Choir, BYPU, and the list goes on. She was also a member of the 4-H Club competing in various activities, and pridefully owned her own 4-H cow. Others had to pay her to get the milk.
Callie attended LaGrone Elementary School, Okolona High School/College and Jackson State University. Callie taught in the Prairie School System. While at college, Callie met the love of her life Eugene Bailey Jr., who she lovingly called “Jun.” Callie moved with her husband to Cincinnati, Ohio.
In Cincinnati, Mrs. Bailey was a member and a minister of music for several churches, including Revelation Baptist, First Baptist of Mt. Auburn, Willing Springs Baptist and Concord Baptist. She then joined the membership and choirs of First New Shiloh, Tryde Stone and The Well churches. Mrs. Bailey was a teacher in the Cincinnati Public Schools system and retired from there and from Keebler Co., where she befriended many. After retirement, she and her husband Eugene formed a landscaping business, C & E Lawncare, which Eugene continues to maintain.
Callie and Eugene’s marriage lasted 68 years. Those years were full of U.S. and world travels, including Hawaii, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls, Italy, The Promised Land which was her favorite, Greece, France and Egypt, among other places.
She avidly supported the efforts of her children, grand children and family.
For many years she was an Eastern Star and her passion included working as a Keenager leader, Missionary, and Evangelist at the Tryde Stone Missionary Church, now The Well.
She is survived by her children: Kaye Bishop (Alvertis), Corlletta Collins, Tony Bailey (Elsa), Clairie Jones (Richard); sisters: Mae Francis Williams, Jimmia Bynum, Doris O’Neal (James); eleven grandchildren, nine great grand children and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She is preceded by her father, Laddie B. Ware, mother Duree Stith Ware; sister, Annie Lee Johnson, and cherished twin daughters Margarite and Margaretta.
Her beautiful and virtuous persona is an example to and forever wonderfully etched in the memory of all who were blessed to meet her.
Services are March 16 at The Well Church, 5550 Reading Road, with visitation at 10 a.m. and service at 11 a.m.