Mildred Earline Bailey was the true embodiment of timeless grace, intelligence, warmth, and unwavering faith.

Visitation will be Friday, May 2, 2025, from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. A graveside will be Friday, May 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM in North Mississippi Veterans Cemetery, Kilmichael, MS with Bro. Mike Smith officiating and Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS directing.

Born on August 12, 1938, in Eupora, Mississippi, to the late Jessie Millard Wood and Marie Wood, Mildred lived a life rich in learning, adventure, and love, always rooted in her steadfast belief in God.

Mildred shared 69 wonderful years of marriage with the love of her life, James W. Bailey. Together, they built a lifetime of memories, grounded in faith and family. Their adventures took them across the United States and beyond, as they traveled the country and cruised the seas in search of new experiences. Mildred's love for exploring new places reflected her adventurous spirit and her deep belief that life was meant to be lived fully, joyfully, and with an open heart.

A highly educated woman, Mildred never missed an opportunity to further her knowledge. She graduated from Mississippi State College for Women, and during her time pursuing her Master's degree, she witnessed the school's historic transition to what is now known as Mississippi University for Women. Throughout her college career, she focused on Elementary Education and Special Education, graduating Cum Laude in recognition of her hard work, dedication, and academic excellence. Although she was known as an outstanding educator, Mildred was also deeply committed to serving others. She ran a Reach Out Shelter for battered and abused children and was instrumental in overseeing Title I services for local school districts, working tirelessly to ensure that every child had access to the education and support they deserved. Later, she expanded past the classroom to become an administrator at New Hope Elementary, in a role she would proudly retire from.

Mildred's passion for learning extended far beyond the classroom; she loved to travel and create new experiences for her children and grandchildren, nurturing a deep love of exploration, curiosity, and discovery in all aspects of her life. Through her example, she taught those she loved that learning is a lifelong journey, filled with adventure, purpose, and faith.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James W. Bailey, and her six siblings: Jeanne, Mae, Barbara, Coleman, Jessie, and Arlyn.

Mildred's legacy lives on through her two sons, James W. Bailey, Jr. (Gene) and Michael Duane Bailey (Debbie); her grandchildren, Tina Bailey Inzer (Josh), Kalyn Marie Fuller (Bryan), and James Bailey; and her six great-grandchildren, Cooper, Anniston-Alice, Wes, Anslee, Scarlett, and Anthony. She also leaves behind many cherished nieces and nephews.

Mildred's life was a beautiful testament to the importance of faith, family, education, and adventure. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit, her lessons, and her unwavering love for the Lord will live on in all those she touched.

Memorials may be made to the Columbus-Lowndes Humane Society, 50 Airline Road, Columbus, MS 39702.