Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Margaret Vanlandingham Bailey, 87, entered into her heavenly home March 3, 2018, while surrounded by her family who cherished and celebrated her life as well as the influence she had on her family as well as others she met on this road we call life.
Margaret was welcomed into heaven by her parents, Claxton and Lillian Vanlandingham to whom she was born March 19, 1930. She was also met inside heaven’s gates by her sister, Nell Crocker, brothers, Charlie and Richard Vanlandingham and son-in-law Robert Langston.She is dearly loved and will be greatly missed by her husband of 70 years, Lewis Bailey; daughters Ann Langston (R.M. England) and Mitzi Hardin (Don), sons, Sonny Bailey and Perry Bailey (Tyanne). Grandmother Margaret Bailey will live on in the mind, heart and soul of her grandchildren whom she treasured–Rob Langston (Melanie Beck), Emily Hicks (Brian), Jon Hardin (Celeste), Jo Ellen Bailey, Marshall Bailey (Whitney), Britt Bailey (Katelyn), Lacey Bailey, and Anna Bailey. To her great grandchildren–Laken, Robert, Anna Marie Langston, Gage and Jacob Beck, Parker, Will, Cooper and Claire Hicks, Adalee and Fabian Hardin, Addi Claire, Ellie Kathryn, and Jack Bailey, Karson Dyre and Britton Bailey, and Bailey Monaghan–she leaves behind a hug and kiss for the immense happiness each great grandchild brought to her during the final years of her life. She was much loved by those who were fortunate enough to be part of her life. Family meant everything to her. She was a humble person with a generous spirit and a wonderful mother who raised her children with traditions, morals, and principles. She taught them to be strong, and independent, but most importantly she shared her love for Christ and his teachings, which eventually became the cornerstone of their life as well. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were one of the greatest joys of her life, and she enjoyed the time she spent with them during visits, celebrations, and other occasions, which brought all of her family together. She was a strong woman and was admired by many for her wisdom and advice. She enriched the lives of all who knew her, especially those who she taught in school and Sunday school. She knew the importance of a good education whether academic or biblical. One of her favorite quotes was, “He that can read but chooses not, is no better off than the one who cannot read.”She was an active member of Derma Baptist Church where she truly loved worshiping with her church family, friends and her own family. She lived by example and the teachings of Christ. For that reason, Proverbs chapter 31 is indicant of her life as a wife and mother–especially verses 29 and 31. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.Margaret’s passions were twofold–her flower gardens and participating in and orchestrating activities at her church. At any given time, you could pull up to her home and witness her taking care of her numerous forms of plants. Her roses were her joy and pride. She loved to attend to them with tender loving care. She loved to share the fruits of her work in the garden by cutting countless numbers of bouquets of roses to share with her family, friends, and church. Her potted plants and bouquets of roses have been transported throughout the county for weddings and special events. The sharing of her ornamental plants always put a smile on her face to know that this labor of love was being enjoyed by others. Through the years, she gave of herself to her church for whatever the need–teaching, organizing, witnessing, cleaning, cooking, etc. One of her passions was for the young couples of the church. She always made sure that every young couple had a nice nuptial shower to provide them with the essentials needed to start off their life as husband and wife. She also taught the young adult Sunday school class for numerous years because she knew that this age group needed to be fed the word of God and have a church family in order to establish a solid Christian foundation, which would guide them in their marriage, career, and family decisions throughout their lifetime.Visitation will be March 5 from 5-8 p.m. at Derma Baptist Church in Derma. In addition, visitation will occur March 6 from 12:30-1:45 p.m. at Derma Baptist Church. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. with Brother Van Carter and Pastor, Roger Reeder officiating. Burial will follow at Pine Crest Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rob Langston, Jon Hardin, Marshall Bailey, Britt Bailey, Brian Hicks, Robert Langston, Charlie Vanlandingham and Billy Carter. Memorials and contributions may be given to your choice of the following - the Pine Crest Cemetery Fund c/o the Renasant Bank P.O. Box 980 Calhoun City, MS 38916, Derma Baptist Church’s Media Fund or to The Gideons International P.O. Box 97251, Washington, DC 20090-7251.Online condolences may be left at www.parkermemorialfuneralhomes.com