Grace Lee Sumrall Bailey, 97, of Rose Hill, MS died Friday, October 21, 2016 at her residence in Rose Hill, MS. She was born Friday, October 17, 1919 in Paulding, MS.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, October 26, 2016 at 1:00 PM at Rose Hill Cemetery in Rose Hill, . Burial will follow in Rose Hill Cemetery in Rose Hill. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements. (601)764-2181

She is preceded in death by her husband, Walter Dave Bailey, parents, Tom Sumrall and Effie McRee, son, David Mitchell Bailey, brother, Tommie Sumrall, sister, Christine Gudaitis.

Survivors include her daughter, Norma Shows (Sherrill), Madison, MS,daughter, Wanda Simmons (Claude), Bend, OR, grand children, Meredith Shows, Colin Bryant Simmons, Eric David Simmons, great-grand child, Tavien Simmons.

If you ever came within arms's reach of Grace you knew you would be receiving a hug. That is one of many things that her family and friends will miss about her.

Grace grew up on the farm with parents that loved her. She liked being outdoors and enjoyed walks in the woods. She found joy in the ordinary things of life like pretty flowers, beautiful days and being with siblings and cousins.

One of the traits that defined Grace was her lifelong empathy with animals in need. She loved all of God's creations and would be found feeding birds, foxes and other wildlife. Grace was never without pets as she simply invited them in when they arrived in her yard. They found a loving home as pampered members of her family. Her last fur babies were Wendy, Pepper, and Pretty Boy.

Grace had a genuine love for people and never met a stranger. She always tried to find the good in everyone and will be remembered for her kindness and compassion.

Grace adored high heel shoes, pretty clothes, shopping, anything pink, her family and the Lord.

She started her work career at the Jasper County Courthouse at Paulding. She moved to Bay Springs in 1940 and worked at the Sheriff's office and then moved to work at the Bay Springs Bank. She had an apartment with close friends and life was good. One day a tall dark-haired young man came in to cash a check. Ten months later she became Mrs. Walter Bailey and moved to Rose Hill in 1946. They were married for 69 years and were together until Walter's death in 2015.

Grace was an active member of Rose Hill Methodist Church as a choir member, Sunday School Teacher and was Church Treasurer for 37 years. She served the Lord with joy and faithfulness.

Profound gratitude is expressed to those that made it possible for her to remain at home. Her caregivers: Deborah Marshall, Ritzie Donald and Barbara Ingram.

This is a farewell to a never failing wife and mother, caring grandmother, a kind aunt, and a giving friend.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.colonialchapelbaysprings.com