Maybell Abernathy Bailey

January 15, 1938 ~ November 1, 2020
Maybell Abernathy Bailey, 82, of Linden TX, passed away peacefully at home with her husband, Jack, by her side. Maybell was the daughter of Tiny Mae Griffith and Frank Abernathy.
She married Jack, the love of her life, on July 22, 1961. During their 59 year marriage Maybell and Jack called Weslaco, TX, Starkville, MS, Leland MS and Linden, TX home.
Maybell was a 1956 graduate of Hughes Springs High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from the University of Texas, Austin (1960) and was a Life member of Texas Exes. In 1976, Maybell received her Masters of Education in Special Education from Delta State University, Cleveland,MS. Following graduation from UT, Maybell began teaching Home Economics in Three Rivers, TX. For 25 years, Maybell taught in the Leland Public School District, retiring in 1995. She especially enjoyed the challenge of teaching elementary aged special education. In 1995, Jack and Maybell moved to Linden, TX and joined First Baptist Church, Linden, where they spent their retirement serving their Lord and community.
Maybell is preceded in death by her parents, Tiny Mae Griffith Abernathy and Frank Abernathy.
She is survived by her husband, Jack Clinton Bailey, two sons, Jack Clinton Bailey, II (Nicole) of Clinton, MS and Brian Alden Bailey (Carol) of Edwards, MS. Her four grandchildren, Jack Clinton Bailey, III, Benjamin Glenn Bailey, Olivia Grace Bailey, and Ella Elizabeth Bailey, lovingly called her “Grandbell”. She has four surviving siblings, Howard Abernathy (Helen), Betty McKinney (L Ray), Catherine Black (Henry), and Bonnie Parvino (Marvin). The youngest, Bonnie, called Maybell “little momma” becaused as a child Maybell rocked Bonnie to sleep. Her numerous surviving nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews knew her as “Aunt Maybell”. Maybell leaves a legacy of love for her Savior and family. One of her greatest joys was “doing” for her family. She will be greatly missed.
Services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at the First Baptist Church in Linden with Bro. Charles Russell officiating. Burial to follow in the Hughes Springs Cemetery under the direction of Reeder-Davis Funeral Home in Linden. There will be a time of visitation one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the ministry of the First Baptist Church of Linden.
Condolences from the Solomon Family.
Jack.. we are truly sorry for your loss. Our hearts are sadden to hear this news. Sending many prayers for comfort for your family.
Jack, sons, and Betty, Howard, Mary, and Bonnie, so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. May you feel God's arms around each of you. Love
Sympathy Gift courtesy of JOANN SHAFFER. Group of 10 Memorial Trees Planted In Loving Memory of Maybell Abernathy Bailey.
Jack, my prayers are with you and your family.
I am just reading of the passing of Maybell.
She was a dear friend and neighbor when we lived in Leland MS. Jack, Clinton and family, Brian and family, I’m so sorry and my prayers will continue for you and your families.
Hilda Roberts (Freeman)