Margaret Bailey

Margaret Anna Bailey, 84, of Norman, Oklahoma, went home to be with the Lord on October 31, 2026. She was born on May 1, 1942, in Stonewall, Oklahoma, to Fred W. and Kay T. Ellis.

Margaret married the love of her life, Kermitt “Rodney” Bailey, on October 17, 1961. Rodney preceded her in death on October 15, 2026. Their passing in the month they were married is a poignant reflection of the remarkable bond they shared throughout their 65 years together. Their family finds comfort in knowing that they are now reunited and together again.

Margaret and Rodney were blessed with three children: Timothy Rodney Bailey of Florida; Kym Leanne Friels and her husband, Brian, of Norman, Oklahoma; and Michael Scott Bailey and Amy of Colorado. She was a beloved grandmother to Joshua, Kaleigh, Nathan, Lucy, and Stella, and a cherished great-grandmother to Adelynn, Sutton, and Judah.

She is survived by her sisters, Patricia Bullard and her husband, Wayne, and Carolyn Cook, widow of “Wimp” Cook; her sisters-in-law, Catherine Ellis, widow of Don Ellis Sr., and Theda Ellis, widow of Fred Ellis Jr.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Margaret loved Jesus and faithfully sought to serve Him. She was an avid Bible reader and faithfully kept prayer journals for many years. Prayer was central to her life, and her steadfast faith guided the way she cared for her family, ministered to others, and served Jesus. She spent many years ministering to residents in nursing homes and baked bread for homebound friends and neighbors.

Margaret expressed her love through her generosity, hospitality, and cooking. Whenever her grandchildren came home, she delighted in preparing special meals for them. Rodney often joked, “She’d make pot roast, ham, bouillabaisse—whatever those kids want, and I’d get slop the rest of the week.”

Margaret enjoyed painting beautiful artwork, sewing, decorating her home, and gardening. She also kept Rodney busy mowing, painting, building, and completing projects around the house—activities that helped keep him healthy and happy for many more years than he thought possible.

She also loved her “adopted” grandson, Jensen Peay, and was especially grateful for the joy he brought to their lives. Her family will always be grateful to the Peay family for allowing Jensen to become such a cherished part of Margaret and Rodney’s lives.

Margaret’s warmth, creativity, humor, generosity, and devotion to her family will be deeply missed. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, prayer, and service that will continue through the generations. Her family finds peace in knowing that she and Rodney are now resting in the presence of Jesus and reunited once again.

A homegoing celebration will be held at First Baptist Church in Allen, Oklahoma, on Friday, November 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Melissa’s House, 4334 W. Robinson St., Norman, OK 73072.