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Viola English Bailey

2/6/2016

33 Comments

 
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Viola English Bailey, age 96, of Oglethorpe, Georgia passed Friday, February 5, 2016.
 
The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M., Thursday, February 11, 2016 at Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 114 Johnson Street, Oglethorpe, Georgia.  Rev. Norris Harris, pastor, will officiate. Interment will follow in the Oglethorpe City Cemetery, Oglethorpe, Georgia.
 
Viola English Bailey was the fifth child of Elder John and Annie Lee Haugabrooks English born on July 13, 1919 in Oglethorpe, Georgia.  She attended the historic Lumpkin Academy and Oglethorpe Rosenwald Junior High School in Oglethorpe, Georgia.  She was a graduate of the former Macon County Training High School in Montezuma, Georgia.  She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education; a state certificate in Library Science; and Media Specialist certification from the former Fort Valley State College in Fort Valley, Georgia.  She also did further studies at Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia and master level studies at Fort Valley State College in Fort Valley, Georgia.
 
Viola began her teaching career in Macon County at a small church in a community known then as Cut-Off, which was off of Highway 49.  She eventually moved into a school that was built after her first year at Cut-Off.  Years after, she moved up to the former Macon County Junior High School, where she was able to touch many who walked those halls.  After 36 years of service to youth as a history teacher and librarian, she retired from the Macon County Board of Education in June 1976.
 
Viola was born into a devout Christian family.  She was the epitome of dedication, for she loved her church – St. Paul A.M.E. Church of Oglethorpe, Georgia.  For a number of years, she served as the Church secretary, keeping record books by hand with a handwriting that was admired by many.  She also dutifully served as a member of the Missionary and Stewardess Boards.  She enjoyed visiting other churches in the community with her crew, known as the “Stick Ladies.”  With Viola behind the wheel, the ladies would travel all over Macon County.
 
Viola cared deeply for her people and county.  She served on various boards to promote the advancement of Oglethorpe, including the Oglethorpe Benevolent Society, Inc., Literacy Council of Macon County, City of Oglethorpe Housing Authority, Macon County Historical Society, Macon County Democratic Committee, Department of Family and Children Services, and the Macon County Retired Teachers and Associates.  In addition, she was proud to serve on the production committee for the writing of the book, “Macon County Life.”  The love shown to her community was returned when a proclamation was issued throughout Oglethorpe deeming March 19, 1995 as Viola English Bailey Day.  In addition, she was honored for her service in education with a building with her namesake in Montezuma, Georgia on October 26, 1998.
 
Viola was blessed to be a mother to a son named Madison Thomas Porter.  He was her pride and joy, for he would even follow her to school before he was even able to read.  She would always have a story for anyone willing to listen about her son’s Navy travels and acting career. 
 
Though Viola’s first marriage dissolved in a divorce, she found love again with Willis Bailey.  Together, they carried a torch for their family, which included her son and his two daughters from a previous marriage – Mary Kate and Esther.  Willis passed after building a life with Viola for forty years.
 
After his passing, Viola poured herself into her community even more and also devoted her life to the raising of her granddaughter, Farah.  Early on, Farah was her sidekick - attending meetings, visiting relatives, and shopping trips.  They had one incredible bond.  Viola was her role model, and Farah was her motivation.
 
Viola gave to all and leaves behind a legacy of faith, hope, and charity.  She now joins those who went on before her: her parents; her nine siblings – Richard, John, Robert, Samuel, Millie, James, Edward, Cornelius, and Willie James; husband, Willis Bailey; and daughters, Mary Kate Bailey Hubbard and Esther Bailey.
 
She is survived by her loving and steadfast son, Deacon Madison Porter, Oglethorpe, Georgia; grandchildren, Wilbur Haugabook, Michael Hubbard, both of Chicago, Illinois, Mechelle Hubbard, New Brighton, Minnesota, Cynthia Barnes, Chicago, Illinois, Carl Hubbard, Douglasville, Georgia, Femi Porter, Los Angeles, California, and Farah Porter Jefferies (Curtis), Oglethorpe, Georgia; great grandson, DaeLyn Seals, Los Angeles, California; sister-in-law, Clara L. English, Oglethorpe, Georgia; first cousins, who were raised as siblings with her, C.J. Tookes (Jean), Atlanta, Georgia, Elder Albert Tookes (Judy), Montezuma, Georgia, and Deacon Tommie J. Tookes, Fort Valley, Georgia; devoted niece and caregiver, Eula Kendrick, Oglethorpe, Georgia; faithful caregiver, Pearl Williams, Oglethorpe, Georgia; a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to her church:
St. Paul A.M.E. Church
Post Office Box 1355
Oglethorpe, Georgia 31068
33 Comments
Patricia Wallace
2/6/2016 09:26:40 pm

Madison, may our Lord and Savior give you strength and ease your heavy heart during this most difficult time. I have some very fond memories of Ms. Bailey from junior high school, a group of girls and myself were library aides during one of our classes and she taught us how to explore the world through reading. I will never forget that.
I pray that your memories of her will forever bring you comfort.

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Ramona
2/6/2016 09:45:42 pm

The English Family truly lost a jewel.....sleep in peace Aunt Vie

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Rosa English Marshall
2/6/2016 11:01:51 pm

Madison and Farah
May thoughts of all your mother / grandmother meant_ of love she gave, of good times spent_ bring you peace and comfort, too, and keep her forever close to you.

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Valerie Jordan
2/7/2016 07:51:46 am

My prayers are with you, Cousin Vie will be truly missed. She is resting in the arms of the Master.

Love you

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Anthony & Peggy West N. Chesterfield, VA
2/7/2016 09:02:55 am

To the family of Cousin Vi:
She was a great value to and loved by so many. Will be greatly missed. We pray for strength and encouragement for you. Keep looking up. May the love if our God continue to Bless you for now and ever more.

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Faye Russell
2/7/2016 09:28:10 am

My condolences to Madison, Farah, and the city of Oglethorpe, Georgia. An historic jewel has blessed us all with very fond memories, and cousin Vie will forever be missed. Rest in peace, and enjoy your heavenly assignment. We love you Mrs. Bailey

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Kenneth & Mamie Hudson
2/7/2016 09:42:59 am

Words can't express the love that Ms. Bailey given, she was a very inspiring person, but may God continue to comfort you during your time of sorrow, look to the Hills where all your help comes. Love you Madison and Farah

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MD
2/7/2016 10:07:07 am

I am deeply saddened over the loss of your dear Mother. Nobody knows for sure how long their grief may last. But by meditating on God promises found in the Bible, you can find real hope and strength to keep going. Acts 24:15 says " there is going to be a resurrection". Jesus said "Do not be amazed at this". Then he assures us " for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out" John 5:28,29. This is God's merciful provision of a resurrection to life on earth. Your loved ones will have the prospect to live again, and return to their "youthful vigor" Job 33:25.

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Annette Lashley
2/7/2016 11:45:35 am

Mrs Bailey was the epitome of the classy Southern lady. I loved her soft-spoken wisdom and advice especially as we worked to begin the Literacy Center. She certainly lived her family, church and community. I will always remember her with gratitude for having known her.

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Irving Smith & Family
2/7/2016 12:53:02 pm

Our heart felt sympathy to you for the lost of a beautiful person

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Mayor Bruce Hill link
2/7/2016 03:12:55 pm

I am Blessed to have known Mrs. Viola. She was engaging and I was at awe everytime I visited her. One amazing woman. A great loss to the community.

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Anne Walker
2/7/2016 03:17:26 pm

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family you are truly blessed to have had your wonderful mother so many year she has a beautiful spirit.

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Michele Shuptrine
2/7/2016 04:17:55 pm

Miss Viola was so special. I am proud to say i loved her for a long time. She was a consistently gentle pillar.

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Shamekia English
2/7/2016 04:51:48 pm

She one in a million sadly she is gone but she will be missed a lot

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Mechelle Kelley Miller
2/7/2016 06:01:22 pm

Mrs. Bailey was one of the classiest and most well educated women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. She substituted many classes that I was in throughout my education. She had a kind word and a smile for everyone she met. She will be missed and God has truly gained a precious angel. May God Bless her family at this time.

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Don webb
2/7/2016 06:41:16 pm

Godspeed Mrs English.

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Katina Haugabook Lundy
2/7/2016 08:57:24 pm

My heartfelt condolences are extended to your family during the passing of our beloved. She will greatly be missed. She was an story teller -- those wonderful stories will be missed. Cousin Madison and Farah, you are in the prayers and thoughts of the Porter Family. We love you.

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Kim Marie Tookes
2/7/2016 09:53:41 pm

Aunt Vie, you were the Matriarch of our family that held us together. My condolences and prayers are with Madison and Farah. You will be truly missed. Thank you for teaching us the values of life. R.I.P. You have been called home to be with the best of the best. Love you always!

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Monica Harris & family
2/8/2016 01:31:10 am

Always will love and cherish time spent with Aunt Vie

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Camille Bielby
2/8/2016 08:47:55 am

Viola Bailey is one of the finest women to ever come out of Macon County. There is no way to estimate how many lives she influenced. One of my greatest honors was to be able to interview her and write a profile. Her kindness lives on in the hearts of those she touched.

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Madison
2/8/2016 10:06:33 am

Madison, the classiest lady I have had the privilege to know. May the Lord be with you.
Jon

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Michelle Oliver Davis
2/9/2016 05:35:08 am

Madison,Farah you have my deepest sympathy. Aunt Vie touched my heart in a mighty way .I have so many fun memories coming to Ga.for the summers aunt vie would take us shopping made sure we had what we needed I loved visiting her such a sweet and humbling person I don't think I've ever meet anyone like her to me she was like a breath of fresh air.she will be missed .

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R. Sweatman
2/9/2016 11:09:45 am

My condolences in the loss of your beloved mother. The pain of grief we feel when our loved ones die can sometimes be unbearable. The comforting words from our heavenly father Jehovah found at Isaiah 25:8; He (God) will swallow up death forever. And the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will wipe the tears from all faces, and Psalm 34:18; Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit, will help you to cope with the grief and sadness now and in the days ahead.

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N. Harris
2/10/2016 08:18:47 pm

So glad she was a part of my life, God Blessed us all with her love.

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Henrey Oliver
2/10/2016 11:17:49 pm

My condolences and may the lord give you the strength you need during this trying time.God bless

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Amos Tookes
2/10/2016 11:23:17 pm

Madison, Farah and members of the Bailey, Porter, English and Tookes families.

Please accept my condolences in the passing of such a magnanimous lady, your Mother, your Grandmother, your sister, your aunt, your cousin, Mrs. Viola E. Bailey. Her physical presence will surely be missed but her spirit, her legacy of love for her family and the people of Macon County will forever reside in the thoughts and hearts of the many that She touched.

Mrs. Viola Bailey has earned her angelic wings here on earth and I believe that the angels are waiting to embrace Their sister in the Heavenly Kingdom and in presence of God saying to her "well done my sister. Your work among His children epitomized the spirit of our Father. Welcome to His Kingdom".

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Bobbie English
2/11/2016 12:16:39 am

Aunt Vie I will always love you ! RIP

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Walter B. & Artie Schofield
2/11/2016 01:14:26 am

Madison, Farah and Family,

With heartfelt condolences - May God's peace that passeth all understanding be with you now and always. You are in our hearts and prayers.

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Leon and Vanessa Paige
2/11/2016 01:14:59 pm

To our dear cousin. You have our prayers during this time. Cousin Vie will truly be missed. I thank God for her legacy. Weeping endures for a night but joy comes in the morning. Lean on our Heavenly Father for your strength. Love you.

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Valerie Billings
2/11/2016 10:12:48 pm

Madison & Farah, heartfelt sympathy to you and the family .

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Diane J Busbee
2/14/2016 12:18:28 pm

My thoughts & prayers are with all the family. She was one WONDERFUL Lady, who will always hold a place in my heart.

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Crystal Collins Golden
2/17/2016 01:49:00 pm

Madison

I was sorry to hear of your sweet mother's passing. She was always so well dressed and in good spirits when she came to Dr. Osh's. She will be missed.

Crystal

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Ellenwood, Ga
3/1/2016 06:25:45 pm

She lived a full life and her memories will live forever in the memories you keep. Many prayers are sent to the family. Ps. 55:22

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Meadows Oglethorpe Funeral Chapel, Inc.

607 Kaigler Street - Post Office Box 8 - Oglethorpe, GA 31068
Telephone: 478-472-6118
Fax: 478-472-7964