Margaret Bailey

Life Reflections Margaret Bailey, was born June 6, 1929, to the union of John and Anna Bell (McKnight) Cooper. She was the seventh of eleven children and was born after the family moved from Nebo, Kentucky to Webster Groves, Missouri. She attended Douglas School in Webster Groves. Margaret married Irving Alonzo Bailey, and together they raised twelve children into adulthood. She was a dedicated domestic worker and housekeeper, who took pride not only in the work she did for others, but in the values she instilled in her children. She taught them that there was a way to do things, and there was a right way to do things. They should choose the right way. She believed in cleanliness, orderliness, and engaging in honest work and healthy activities. She and her husband taught their children to do their best, and they celebrated each accomplishment of each child. Margaret treasured her children and every child born into her family. Each new baby was greeted with a hug and smile, sometimes with tears, and always with a place for his or her picture on the mantel, the wall or refrigerator door. Margaret’s concern for young people extended beyond her home into the community: She was an active member of Club 44, the Christian youth organization formed to help young African Americans find positives ways to use their energy. She remained an active member until her death. Margaret was baptized at an early age in life, and affirmed her Christian commitment at St. Peter’s in Kirkwood. She rededicated her life to Christ in later years as she prayed and talked with Pastor Moore of Gospel Temple, the church of her youth. Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Irving Alonzo Bailey, Sr. her mother, Anna Bell and father, John; two children Lamont and Patricia Margaret; five brothers, James, Odie, Theopolis, Richard, and John; and three sisters, Mary, Deloris, Virginia. Margaret leaves to cherish her memories two loving daughters, Cynthia and Diane; seven dutiful sons: Melvin (Darcy), Michael (Rosalyn), Stephen (Vera), Kenny (Martha), Harley, Sanford (Darla), Kinji (LaVonda), and Irving Alonzo, Jr. (Janice); one brother, Eugene Cooper; one sister, Alice Rollins(Clifford); one sister-in-law, Norma Jean Cooper (Theopolis, dec); 30 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren, six great-great grandchildren; a special helper, Sandra Green; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Visitation Thursday, January 29, 2015, 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Chapel Hill Mortuary, 10301 Big Bend Road, Kirkwood, MO 63122. Service Friday, 10 a.m. at Gospel Temple, 113 Thornton Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63119. Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, 2900 Sheridan Road, St. Louis, MO, 63125. Flowers are accepted. PDF Printable Version

Margaret Bailey

June 6, 1929 - January 26, 2015