Marilyn Lee Bailey

Creston, NC - Marilyn Lee Bailey, 89, of Creston, NC, passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday, October 15th.

Born June 9, 1928 in Detroit, MI, the first daughter of William Patrick Mulherin & Blanche Fitzgerald Mulherin, Marilyn married her adoring husband, John M. Bailey, in 1948 and became a devoted Air Force wife. Over the next 25 years, they were stationed at various US military bases and in Japan and Okinawa. During this time they had five children, and eventually settled in High Point, NC in 1972. While raising her children, Marilyn obtained a BS in Nursing and served as a registered nurse in the critical care unit and became Director of the Outpatient Clinic. She ultimately retired from nursing after over 30 years of service. After her husband passed away, Marilyn relocated to Creston, NC in 1991, where she was an active member of the church and community.

Marilyn was most passionate about her family and was a loving, supportive mother to all five of her children. As a strong matriarch, she always hosted holiday dinners and celebrations where she invited other members of the community including military and first responders. After moving to Creston, she became an advocate for the elderly working with Ashe County Services for Aging making home visits and developing the CAP Program. She was appointed representative for the Governor's Council on Aging. She also delivered meals to the homebound as part of Meals on Wheels. In Creston it was her vision to save the Riverview Elementary School for the community and through perseverance obtained a grant to start the Riverview Community Center. It now has a thrift shop, art gallery, gym, beauty shop and a venue for theater and music festivals. It is a place to gather for weekly luncheons and various social and educational activities.

She was a devout Catholic involved in various church committees wherever she lived, and was a long time member of St. Francis of Assisi of Jefferson. Marilyn was also the consummate green thumb and she enjoyed working in her yard where she developed glorious flower gardens for all to enjoy.

Selfless and caring, Marilyn was known as someone who lived for others.

Marilyn is survived by her daughters Cheryl Haynie and Diane Gollott of Creston and Rebecca Lemons (husband Mike Lemons) of Siler City; and a sister Patricia Flick (husband Jewel Dixon) of Las Vegas, NV, seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, John, sons John Michael Bailey and William Brannon "Beetle" Bailey, and brothers James Mulherin and Jerry Mulherin.

A funeral mass will be held Friday, October 27th at 11 am at St. Francis of Assisi Jefferson. Visitation with family to follow after service. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, October 29th at 2:00 pm at Riverview Community Center. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Military/Wounded Warriors, 1990 Fordham Drive Suite 100, Fayetteville, NC 28304; Pruitt Hospice, 924 Main Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28609 or Riverview Community Center, 11719 NC Hwy 88, Creston, NC 28615. You may give the family your condolences at our website. www.boonefuneralhome.com.

Boone Family Funeral Home of West Jefferson is in charge of these arrangements.