Mary Evelyn "Sally" Wikle Bailey

Mary "Sally" Evelyn Wikle Bailey, 83, of Fernandina Beach, FL, passed away Tuesday afternoon, December 24, 2024, at the Warner Center for Caring at Baptist Medical Center in Fernandina Beach.
She was born July 28, 1941, in Marianna, FL where she was raised and graduated as a member of the Marianna High School class of 1959. She attended Chipola Junior College for 2 years where she met her future husband, Bill Bailey. The couple was married September 3, 1961, in the First Presbyterian Church of Marianna, FL.
The couple moved back to Mr. Bailey's hometown of Fernandina Beach where they would later raise their family. Mrs. Bailey attended Jacksonville University where she received a bachelor of elementary education degree. She was an educator for 37 years in Nassau County, primarily teaching 4th grade at Emma Love Hardee Elementary School. Mrs. Bailey adored teaching and treasured all her coworkers turned friends, many students and incredible memories.
Mrs. Bailey retired from teaching in 2001 and spent the next 23 years enjoying time with family and friends. She loved chatting, shopping and traveling. Mrs. Bailey had an incredible love for life and would brighten up any room she walked into.
She was a lifelong Presbyterian and an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina Beach where she served as an Elder, Sunday school teacher and youth leader for many years.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, William "Bill" Rene Bailey Sr., parents, Evelyn and Harry Wikle Sr. and brother, Harry Wikle Jr.
She leaves behind three children: Kim Mixon and her husband Curtis of Lake City, FL; Miriam Hannigan of Lake City, FL and William Bailey Jr. of Fernandina Beach, FL.; Five grandchildren: Ashley Dohrn and her husband Dylan, Lauren Mixon, William "Will" Bailey, Greer Hannigan, and Olivia Hannigan.; One great-grandchild: Bennett Dohrn.
Her family will receive visitors on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 5:00-7:00 pm at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina Beach with the Reverend Dawn Mayes, Senior Pastor and the Reverend Julie Higbee, Associate Pastor officiating. Mrs. Bailey will be laid to rest in Bosque Bello Cemetery. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Fernandina Beach.