Lessie Elizabeth Rhoad Bailey

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Lessie Bailey Obituary

Lessie Elizabeth Rhoad Bailey N. CHARLESTON - Lessie Elizabeth Rhoad Bailey, 94, of The Elms North Charleston, SC, widow of Robert T. Bailey, Sr., passed away peacefully on February 19, 2016 at Roper St. Francis Hospital. Lessie was born on January 10, 1922 in Denmark, SC, to the late John Duncan Rhoad and Lillie Mae Myers Rhoad. Lessie graduated from Denmark High School as Salutatorian in 1938, and received as B.S. degree in Biology from Winthrop College in 1942. World War II changed Lessie's life plans from being a teacher at Batesburg-Leesville High School to a different direction. In 1942, Lessie came to Charleston, SC to work for the summer. She was then hired by Charleston Naval Shipyard as chemist. Lessie met Robert Thomas Bailey, Sr. in the Charleston Naval Shipyard. They were married on October 18, 1943, and enjoyed 72 years of marriage together. Lessie served as president of the PTA and was substitute teacher at Park Circle Elementary in North Charleston, SC. She was an active member of North Charleston Methodist Church, the Elizabeth Vickery Circle, and the Rotary Ann Club of Charleston. In addition, she was a Sunday School and Bible School teacher. Lessie also worked as a study-hall aide at Bonds Wilson High School for several years. She was a devoted, loving wife and mother, who enjoyed decorating her home and cooking. Lessie was especially known for baking and for her famous homemade coconut and carrot cakes. Predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Willie Edward Rhoad and Charles Clifton Rhoad, as well as a nephew, Charles Clifton Rhoad, Jr., Lessie is survived by her daughter, Mary Shannon Bailey Marino (Lawrence) of Goose Creek, SC; her son, Dr. Robert T. Bailey, Jr. (Johanna) of Fountain Hills, AZ; her grandson, Phillip Bailey Marino (Alexandra); sisters-in-law, Lynnette Rhoad of Orangeburg, SC and Virginia Bailey of Staunton, VA; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and step-grands and great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be held at Carolina Memorial Park, 7113 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC, on Monday, February 22, 2016. The family will receive friends from 1pm to 2pm prior to the funeral service at 2pm. Burial will follow. Deep appreciation and much gratitude go to Lessie's faithful caretakers, Sally, Mary, Ellen, Claudia, and Narja. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial may be made to North Charleston United Methodist Church, 1125 East Montague Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29405. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting the website, Legacy.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Feb. 19 to Feb. 21, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Lessie Bailey

Sponsored by Dr. Robert Bailey and Mrs. Mary Marino.

10 Entries

Dr.Robert T Bailey, MD

February 13, 2025

Missing you Mom on the anniversary of your passing. Hope you are celebrating in the arms of Jesus. Love you, Robert your son

Salky Monahan

February 13, 2021

Looking forward to seeing you again in Glory!!

Wendy Hudson-Jacoby

March 9, 2016

There is no one like Ms. Lessie! She is an incredible blessing and gift to our church, to her friends and to her dear family. She touched so any people with her generosity, kindness, spunk and great love. Our church family keeps you in prayer!!

March 8, 2016

She walked in beauty.

Robert T Bailey,MD (Scottsdale, AZ)

Robert Bailey

March 6, 2016

Dear Mother,
I am so sorry you body failed you towards the end of your life and I sensed how sad you were when Dad Bailey went into the nursing home 13 months before he died, and at his passing. And even though we had what seemed like a long time together at the holidays in December, you knew it would be the last time we saw each other on earth in this life as I saw how sad you were when you realized we would be leaving soon to return to Arizona. I appreciated the way you and Johanna got along so well, she really grew to love you as a mother and cared for you deeply. She remembers helping you get ready for bed on her visitations.
I know you have a new body and mind and things are so much better for you now, but the pain of your passing and all the memories of you are no less painful at this time for me. I know we (Mary and I) were not always kind to you growing up and took your love and care for granted, but I hope I made up for some of this later in life as I truly loved and respected you and tried to show this to you as often as I was able to do so.
You are a beautiful women, talented and smart and life and unusual circumstances have a way of shaping and forming our thinking which can become more challenging as we age on this side of eternity, but know this that you were a great person and a great mother and grandmother and we all miss you until we are united again in the arms of Jesus. Your Son, Robert

Charles Grooms

February 21, 2016

Dear Robert and family, I lift you up unto the Lord at this of your loss. I pray the Lord will comfort you and give you peace. I know that you know that everything is in His control and that He is there by your side. So rest in His eternal love. Your mother was beautiful both inside and out and she will be truly missed by all who knew her. May your memories give you comfort and strength in the days ahead. My thoughts, prayers and love are with you.

Narja Pooser

February 21, 2016

It was a pleasure to be able to care for Mrs. Bailey. I will deeply miss her.

Mary Moultrie

February 20, 2016

Heartfelt condolences to Mary and family. It was wonderful to know Mrs. Lessie Bailey.

Respectfully

February 20, 2016

My friend, I shall miss you. Love always, Sally

February 19, 2016

Dear Robert and Family,
So sorry about your Mom! It is never easy to lose a parent! May you all find comfort in fond memories of her and your Dad,too. You are in our prayers.
Wayne and Dawn (Ellison) Smith

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