Linda Ruth Bailey

Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies.

Proverbs 31:10

Linda Ruth Jackson was born on February 28, 1939, in the Manchester community to the union of Harrison and Zettie B. DeLamar Jackson.

Linda was a graduate of Peake High school in 1957. In 1955, Eddie Bailey saw a beautiful girl walking to work. After introductions were made, he began picking her up to take her to work each day in his brand new, black and white 1955 Ford, and the rest is history.

Linda worked as a skilled seamstress at Levi Strauss and Dixon Manufacturing in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She was also employed at Henderson State University for a period of time as a custodian.

Linda was saved in 1958 in a prayer meeting at Mountain Pine, Arkansas and became a lifetime member of the Church of God in Christ. She began serving as a member there under the leadership of Elder Frank Gordon, then Elder Sanders, and finally under Elder Abraham Wheeler. At Mountain Pine COGIC, she was obedient and humbled by the teachings of the mothers of the church. These mothers taught her how to be a wife, mother, and a woman of God while her husband was not yet saved. It was her obedience and her faithfulness to God that ultimately led her husband to the Lord. They eventually moved their large family of six children to Gum Springs, Arkansas where they continued to serve under Elder Wheeler at Piney Ridge COGIC. While serving under Elder Wheeler, Linda developed a passion for teaching the Word of God. She developed a unique ability to expound on the Bible that made it relatable and exciting for both young and old. She was anointed to teach God's Word and poured the Word into her children, who are ALL SAVED TODAY!  In her local church, she taught Sunday School, Y.P.W.W. and Bible Band. She also coordinated the Pastor and wife's anniversary services as well as the Pastor's Aid ministry. Sister Linda served as the Young Women's Christian Council President where she mentored and counseled countless young women, teaching them as she was taught with Godly wisdom. She dutifully fulfilled her role as a help meet and First Lady to Elder Bailey supporting their ministry at Witherspoon and Baring Cross COGIC. She was vice-president of the Arkadelphia District Ministers Wives Circle from 2000- 2016. She served as 1st Administrative Assistant to Sister Deloris Williams from 2016- 2020. She served as a member of the Advisory Board. She also served on the Finance staff and decorations committee.

Linda's family was the cornerstone of her life. She was a proud grandmother and great-grandmother, affectionately known as "Nana". She was an EXCELLENT cook. Her cornbread dressing was the star attraction for any family gathering. One of her favorite pastimes was fishing and playing games with her grandchildren. Until her health failed, she was a sought-after decorator for weddings, churches, and other community events. Her signature floral arrangements and decorations were always elegant and first class.

Her 63-year marriage to Elder Bailey was one of constant ministry, adventure, friendship, and love seen in the upbringing of their children and their many friendships. Both Elder Bailey and Sister Bailey rose in the ranks of their ministry. They made great sacrifices and gave their very best for the work of the ministry of winning souls to Christ.

In her final days, Sister Bailey was positive, unwavering in her faith, and never lost her beloved sense of humor.

Mother Linda Bailey slept peacefully into the arms of Jesus on Friday, November 20, 2020. She was preceded in her passing by her parents, and siblings Bertha Jackson, Vernola Shaw, Harry Jackson, and Robert Jackson.

Although her physical absence will leave a huge void, she leaves precious memories with her beloved husband, Elder Eddie J. Bailey of Gurdon, Arkansas; six wonderful children: Eddie Bernard (Zina) Bailey of Arkadelphia, AR, June Allen of Texarkana, AR, Ralphael (Shante) Bailey of Smithton, AR, Harold (Stephanie) Bailey of Arkadelphia, Valerie Turner of McKinney, TX, and Rodney (Kimberly) Bailey of Mansfield, TX; twenty-one grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. She also leaves her sister, Geneva (John) Hardin of Ann Arbor, MI and her brother, Charlie Cal Jackson of Pittsburg, CA; sisters-in-law, Hazel Bailey, Earline Bailey, Ruth Bailey White all of Arkadelphia and Cora Jackson of Richmond, CA; brothers-in-law, Earl (Belinda) Bailey and J.B. Bailey all of Arkadelphia, AR; several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 27, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home. A celebration of her life will be shared at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 28, 2020, at the Arkadelphia Rec Center in Feaster Park. Interment will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Due to COVID-19, all guests will be required to register, provide their temperatures, and wear a mask upon entry.