MRS. LOU ANN "BAILEY" MIDDLEBROOKS

Mrs. Lou Ann Bailey Middlebrooks

A Time to be Born:

Lou Ann Bailey was born April 18, 1943, to the late Sylvester Bailey Sr. and Joann Berry Bailey. She was preceded in death by her grandparents Eula Bell Stafford, Joe Berry, and Henry Paul Bailey, Rosa Bailey and brothers Ronald, William "Bill," Joe Van "Dat," and Elbert.

A Time to Learn:

Lou Ann received her formal education in the public schools of Charlton County. She was a graduate of Bethune High School Class of 1959. While in high school, she enjoyed home economics and playing basketball. Upon graduating from high school, Lou Ann attended Fort Valley College. After leaving college, she returned home and worked as a secretary at Bethune Middle/High School.

A Time to Live:

Lou Ann, affectionately known as "Lou," enjoyed spending time with family. She shared a special bond with each of her brothers, and she loved them with all her heart. Her brothers treated her like the queen she was. Lou Ann did not have biological children, but she proudly helped rear her nieces and nephews as though they were her own children. She was very supportive. Her world centered around her family. Lou Ann loved fashion. She dressed her nieces in beautiful trendy outfits and accessories, taught them how to cook, and taught them proper etiquette. Once her nephews started playing sports, she was their biggest cheerleader. Wherever they played football, she made an effort to see them in action. She would run up and down the sideline yelling their names and encouraging them to do their best. One of her nephews said that her support had a significant impact on his success on the football field.

Lou Ann moved to Buffalo, New York in the early 1960's. She enjoyed life in the city and living close to some of her relatives, especially her first cousin Jessie Bell Wells, who was like a sister. In New York, Lou Ann worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield. After returning to Folkston, she worked for many years at Thiokol and Union Carbide. Some of her hobbies were cooking, baking, shopping, and crossword puzzles. Lou Ann was a member of Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Culinary Committee. She was a former member of Crescent Chapter No. 64, Order Eastern Star.

A Time to Die:

Lou Ann peacefully departed this life on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Life Care Nursing Facility in Hilliard, FL.

A Time to Mourn:

Cherishing Lou Ann's memories are brothers Sylvester Bailey, Jr. of Folkston, GA and Roland (Lawanda) Bailey, of Orange Park, FL, sister Alma Watson of Jacksonville, FL, sister-in-law Glenda Jackson of Atlanta, GA, twenty nieces and nephews, fifty grand-nieces and nephews, twenty great-nieces and nephews, honorary niece Jackie Reed, the Doles' family, and a host of cousins and other friends.

Family and friends are being received at the home of her niece 92 Ann Street, Folkston, GA.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 18 Mt. Carmel Street, Folkston, GA. Interment will follow in the Johanna Bailey Memorial Garden Cemetery, Folkston, GA

Please keep the family in prayer during this difficult time.

Services of care and comfort entrusted to the caring professionals of Fluker Funeral Home 985 Ossie Davis Parkway, Waycross, Georgia 31501

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