Diane Mae "Bailey" Harper

1949 - 2018

Diane Mae (Bailey) Harper peacefully departed this life Monday, Dec. 31, 2018 at Christiana Care Hospital surrounded by family and friends.

Diane is the daughter of Daisey Mae (Heverin) Bailey and Harold Bailey. She was born on Jan. 19, 1949 in Dover, Delaware. Diane was united in holy matrimony to her true love and forever sweetheart, Robert James Harper Sr. (Big Bobby) on April 22, 1967. Their union was blessed with four children.

Mrs. Harper was a devoted Christian mother and homemaker who loved her children, family, and friends immensely. She graduated James H. Grove High School at Middletown High School with her mother in June 1984. Prior to her stroke in 2013, she enjoyed reading, crocheting and volunteering. She loved family gatherings, playing cards and Sunday dinners. Diane was a private nanny to many children throughout the years creating a special bond that will always be cherished. She also worked as a substitute teacher, school cafeteria aide, taught people to read and was one of the front desk faces at Dance Unlimited, where she became "Aunt Dianey" to many of her beloved dancers. Diane recently enjoyed watching her Hallmark Channel movies and most of all, spending time with her family and friends. As a result of her generous spirit and pleasant personality, she was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by many.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert on May 14, 1994 and her nephew, Harold Charles (Bucky) Bailey Jr. on Jan. 16, 1983.

She leaves to cherish her fond memories: her parents, Daisey Mae (Heverin) Bailey (Ron Ash) of Smyrna, and Harold Bailey (Mary Louise [Hall]) of Townsend; her sons, Robert James Harper, Jr (Lisa) of Dover; James Franklin Harper of Smyrna; Gary Michael Harper (Jennifer Harris) of Townsend; and her daughter, Cyndi Mae Connelly (Thomas) of Townsend; her brother, Harold Charles Bailey Sr. (Theresa) of Magnolia; her sister, Lisa Michelle Fries (Jim) of Middletown, and their daughters Ashley and Jenna; her brother, Andy Hall (Barbaranne) of Townsend; her grandchildren, Abigail Moyer (Chris), Robert John Harper; Alysha, Haley and Jason Harper; Bailey and Sadie Rhodes; and her great-grandchildren: Grayson, Graelynn, Tristan and Zane. She is also survived by a multitude of devoted extended family members.

Diane's family sends their gratitude to all the friends and family who have helped care for her and would like to express a special thank you for the help, compassion and care given by Christiana Care Hospital, especially her day nurse, Jessica.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 9 from 7-9 p.m. at Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, 212 N. Broad St., Middletown, DE. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, Jan. 10 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment is private.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.daniels-hutchison.com.