Obituary – Carole J. Bailey
Carole Jean (Beasley) Bailey, 82, daughter of Roscoe and Edith (Johnson) Beasley, was born on August 5, 1943, at Oscar, Mo., and went to be with her Lord on June 21, 2026, at Hickory Manor in Licking, Mo.
Carole attended Shipp School until eighth grade and then the family moved to Kansas for a year and a half before moving back to Licking, where she attended Licking High and graduated in 1961.
Carole moved to St. Louis after graduation and worked a short time at Lipic Pen Co.
She married Roy “Leon” Bailey on November 17, 1962, and to this union two children were born, Tonya Lynn and Kerry Leon. They were married for 47 years, and she became a stay at home wife and mother. They lived in St. Louis until his retirement in 1996, when they moved back home to Licking for good.
Carole accepted Christ at a young age. Upon retiring to Licking, she moved her membership to Boone Creek Baptist Church, where she was a faithful member until her health would not permit it.
Carole is survived by her daughter, Tonya and husband, Mike, of Licking; daughter in law, Missy Bailey, of St. Peters, Mo.; sister, Wanda Booker, of Licking; four grandchildren, Brandon Smith (Jen), of Houston, Callie Smith, of Licking, Jordan (Mike) Burks, of Licking, and Danielle (Erick) Mills, of St. Charles, Mo.; six great-grandchildren, Mason, Tyson, Logan and Quinn Burks, of Licking, and Jack and Nora Mills, of St. Charles, Mo.; sisters-in-law, Opal Beasley and Bobbie Krewson, of Licking; brothers-in-law, Dennis (Judy) Bailie, of Mountain View, Ark., and Larry (Myrna) Van Deusen, of Warsaw, Mo.; and best friend since first grade, Carol (Hal) Russell, of Rolla; as well as nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
Carole is preceded in death by her beloved husband; beloved son, Kerry Bailey; parents; brother, Gern (Phyllis) Beasley; sisters, Joan (Raymond) Wells and Katherine (Dave) Bennett; brothers-in-law, Lloyd Beasley, Terry Krewson, Larry Smith, Bobby Smith and Billy Floyd; sisters-in-law, Sandy Floyd and Shirley (Marvin) Umfleet; and nephews, Jeff Booker, Michael Wells and Corey Floyd.
Carole was a very loving and nurturing soul who loved her whole family, especially her grandkids and great-grandkids. She babysat for them and she taught Tonya, Kerry, and the grandkids how to play Yahtzee—she didn’t give anybody any slack! Her house was the gathering place for anybody who needed a meal or a bed to stay. She was the Bed and Breakfast before they even existed. She was a great cook and loved to entertain everyone. She loved to refinish furniture and see the final results. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend; she will be sadly missed by her family and all who knew and loved her.
A visitation for Carole was held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10-11:30 a.m., at Boone Creek Baptist Church. A funeral service followed at 11:30 a.m. with Bro. Phillip McGuire officiating. Interment followed at Boone Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Carole’s name may be made to Boone Creek Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Fox Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.foxfh.net.
