Carolyn Bailey

Bessie Carolyn Bailey, age 89, passed peacefully from this life surrounded by the love of her family and the memories she created through a life well lived. She passed away on May 11, 2026, at James T. Champion Nursing Facility in Meridian, MS. Born on October 2, 1936, in Quitman, MS., Carolyn was a woman whose life was marked by faith, music, friendship, hospitality, and deep devotion to her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Elder Sylvester Bailey; her parents, Bessie Octavia Culpepper Cooper and Leonard Lamar Cooper and one brother, Houston L. Cooper.

Carolyn leaves behind a family who loved her dearly, including her children, Dondi Bailey, Kimberly Floyd and husband Patrick Floyd, and son, Dencil Bailey and wife Sharon Bailey.

She was a proud and loving grandmother to 11 grandchildren, Ryan (Britney) Whitaker, Yancy (Heather) Whitaker, Jakeb (Randa)Bailey, Densiley Collins, Noah (Bryn) Bailey, Brooklynn (Joe) Morris, Cody (Brittany) Boyette, Tristin (Erin) Fulgham, Lane Bailey, Landon Bailey, Kyria (Tylon) Brantley. Her legacy continues through her cherished 24 great-grandchildren: Braxton, Briley, Brinley and Barham Caroline Whitaker; Covey Whitaker; Rivi and Rynlee Bailey; Bryar and Posey Collins; Hoss, Brooks and Banks Bailey; Axel, Israel and Diesel Morris; Lana Boatner, Rhett and Saylor Boswell; Riggs, Rowan and Tate Fulgham; Saylor, Mayzie and Baby Boy Brantley.

Carolyn devoted much of her life to serving the Lord through music at First Baptist Church of Quitman. For many years she faithfully served as the church organist and pianist along with singing in the choir she loved so much. She also spent several years teaching kindergarten at church, touching the lives of countless children with her kindness and gentle spirit.

She found joy in the simple things that made life beautiful. She loved gathering around the domino table with her husband and dear friends each week, spending hours talking with friends on the telephone, and working puzzles that were always spread across her dining room table-inviting anyone who stopped by to sit down and help find a piece or two. She loved sitting on her front porch listening to the church chimes and watching the cars pass by content in the comfort of home and community. Above all, she loved feeding people. Sunday afternoons often meant a table full of food and an open door for anyone who wanted to visit.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, May 17, 2026, at First Baptist Church, Quitman, MS with Dr. Rex Yancey officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:00-2:15 with ceremony to follow at 2:30. A private interment ceremony will be held at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest with her beloved husband.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Whitaker, Yancy Whitaker, Braxton Whitaker, Jakeb Bailey, Noah Bailey, Cody Boyette, Tristen Fulgham, Lane Bailey, Landon Bailey, Joe Morris, and Tylon Brantley.

Because of Carolyn's love for music and ministry, memorial contributions may be made to the music ministry of First Baptist Church of Quitman, P O Box 720, Quitman, MS 39355.

Robert Barham Family Funeral Home of Meridian, MS, has been entrusted with the arrangements.

A special thank you to the staff at James T. Champion and Compassus for being the most wonderful caregivers during my mom's stay.