Leola Bailey Obituary

Leola Bailey

Aug 19, 1931 - Jun 4, 2024

Sandusky

Leola Bailey, 92, transitioned peacefully to her heavenly home Tuesday, June 4, 2024.

She was born Aug. 19, 1931, in Sandusky, to Pink Green and Mary (Sanders) Irby.

Leola was a graduate of Sandusky High School. She then worked for and retired from General Motors after over 40 years of service. She married the love of her life, Othel T. Bailey, in 1956.

For over 20 years, they were the proud co-owners and operators of Bailey Shell Gas Station in Sandusky. Even after his passing in 1983, she remained his devoted wife for the remainder of her years.

She was a huge fan of Jimmy Stewart, The Oak Ridge Boys, Roy Rogers, Billy Dee Williams, and I Love Lucy. Leola truly loved the Lord and was a faithful, original member of over 50 years of Ebenezer Baptist Church. She was a musician and Sunday School teacher within the church that she loved so much. She was so well-loved by her family and friends and will be deeply missed.

She is survived by her sister-in-law, Mary Swopes-Irby; nieces and nephews, Billy (Lee) Hassel, Billy Kelly, Wesley Alexander, Wesley Lofties, Floyd (Leslene) Lofties, Artie Castile, Samuel (Christine) Irby, Yvonne Wilson, Bonita Lofties, Sharon Irby, Calvin Irby, Renee Robinson, Othel (Marseille) Lofties, Jeffrey Brady, Curtis (Sheri) Lofties, Donald Irby, and LaShawn (Greg) Reid; Godson, Phillip Pearson; Goddaughters, Djenne McKinney and Luvada Wilson; 40 great-nieces

and great-nephews; 13 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; special caregivers, Dora Childress and Rose Churchwell; and special friends, Ethel Thames and Dietra Cole.

Leola was preceded in death by her husband, Othel T. Bailey; parents, Pink Green and Mary Irby; in-laws, Othel (Victoria) Bailey; brothers, Samuel Irby, Emanuel Irby, James Irby, and Ozell Irby; sisters, Corene Castile, Earnestine Irby, and Irene Terrell; nephews, George "Mike" Lofties, Scott Collins Joseph Irby, William Kelly, and Edward Hassell Jr.; niece, Theresa Irby; and special friend, Mildred Gant.

Great thanks to Firelands Home Health Care, Firelands Emergency Room (all nursing staff), and Providence Care Center for the care and kindness they showed during her time of need.

Visitation for friends and family will be 10 a.m. Monday, June 10, 2024, until the time of Leola's funeral at 12 p.m. at Ebenezer Baptist Church, 1215 Pierce St., Sandusky, Ohio, 44870.

The eulogy will be held by Pastor Clayton Howard with the service to be officiated by her nephew, Othel Lofties. Burial will follow at Oakland Cemetery.

Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is handling arrangements.

Condolences may be made to the family by visiting toftfuneralhome.com.