Emma Lea Bailey

Emma Lea Copher Bailey, 86, of Owingsville, Kentucky passed away early Monday morning, July 1, 2024, at her home surrounded by her beloved family.  She was born in Bath County, Kentucky on March 21, 1938, to the late Clark Copher and Lula Mae Yarber Copher. 

Her primary role in life was that of a wife, mother and serving others.  She was very devoted to her faith and family.  She served her Lord in numerous ways: cooking, farming, singing, teaching, as a board member and committee member at Preston First Church of God and Owingsville First Church of God.  She was a founding member and was instrumental in the building of the Preston First Church of God. 

Alongside her sister Eulala, she owned and operated the Kountry Kettle where the sisters showcased their fine country cooking skills. Emma Lea loved the farm life working side by side with her loving husband Billie Paul Bailey of 66 years.  Together they worked a dairy farm for 52 years, grew crops, raising livestock and their family.  She enjoyed gardening, canning, freezing and sharing those with others. Emma was known as a sweet and loyal friend who enjoyed UK athletics (especially men's basketball and women's softball) Bingo, Bath County School events, gospel music singings and hosting family get togethers.  She enjoyed spending time with her family and that was her greatest earthly joy.  She loved deeply. 

She was a member of the Owingsville First Church of God in Owingsville, Kentucky.  Due to her unwavering devotion to her faith, family, commonwealth and country, her compassion to others, her ability to lead and her gentle strength - Governor Martha Layne Collins bestowed the honor of "Kentucky Colonel" to Emma Lea. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Billie Paul Bailey, two sisters, Eulala Copher Donahue and Beulah Copher Vance, five brothers: Ralph, Oscar, Louis, Whitton and JT Copher.  

Survivors include her son, Timothy Paul Bailey, two daughters, Rebecca Lea Downs (Sam) and Robin Tolle (Shawn) all of Owingsville, four grandchildren: Katherine Sproessig Church (Jonathan), Karson Tolle, both of Owingsville, Tristan S. Downs (McKenna) of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, Dalton C.G. Caudill (Amanda) of Boston, Massachusetts, two great grandchildren: Ayla Downs and Sky Caudill.  Survivors also include, Rhonda Copher, Alison Copher, Tracy Copher (Larry), Mike Cassidy (Renee) all of Whom, including the late Billy Wayne Copher were like her own children.  Emma is survived by three loving brothers: Alton Copher, Deweese Copher (Glenna) and Doug Copher (Linda) all of Owingsville as well as many special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who will miss her dearly.  

Funeral services will be conducted 12 noon Saturday, July 6, 2024, at the Owingsville First Church of God with Rev. Lowell Rice, Pastor Shawn Tolle, Alison Copher and Tracy Copher officiating. 

Burial will follow at the Owingsville Cemetery. 

Visitation at the Owingsville First Church of God will start at Coffee Time 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Friday and from 10:00 AM - 12 noon Saturday. 

Pallbearers include Ebony Copher, Chad Copher, Kevin Copher, Sam Copher, Werner Leigel, Manuel Vance, Tristan Downs and Jonathan Church. 

Honorary pallbearers include Rhonda Copher, Alison Copher, Tracy Copher, Kim Back, Arizona Roberts, Katie Sproessig Church, Zach Roberts, Mike Cassidy, Larry Copher and McKenna Downs. 

Contributions are suggested to the Tim's Toy Trot for Tots at PO Box 100 Owingsville, Kentucky 40360.

The Michael R. Gray Funeral Home is caring for all the arrangements for Emma Lea Copher Bailey.