Mary Louise (Bailey) Jackson

Mary Louise Bailey Jackson, age 76, passed away peacefully and entered the loving arms of her Lord on Sunday, July 7, 2019, with her daughter and goddaughter by her side. She was born October 27, 1942, in Oakwood, Texas, to Reverend George B., Sr. and Lenora Elizabeth Bailey.

Mary Louise graduated as class valedictorian from the historical C.B. Dansby High School in 1958 at the age of 16. After high school, she attended the historically black institute of higher learning, Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education in 1961.

Following her academic training, she was recruited by Buena Vista School District and began her professional career as an educator, teaching at both Highland Park Elementary and Ricker Middle schools. While working full-time, she went on to attend Central Michigan University where she graduated with her Master's Degrees in Education and Early Childhood Education.

During her tenure as an educator, she recognized early that teaching wasn't just her career, it was God's calling for her life. The love and passion she possessed for her students and watching them learn was indescribable. As an educator, she served as Team Lead and Curriculum Director. In addition to teaching, she also coached the girls' volleyball and basketball teams at Ricker Middle School and time-kept for the boys' basketball games. She retired from Buena Vista School District in 2002 after 41 years of loving, tireless and dedicated service.

Mary Louise accepted Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and was baptized by her father. After moving to Saginaw, she joined Bethel A.M.E. Church, under the leadership of Rev. Snelling. As a dedicated member of Bethel, she unselfishly gave of her talents and time by serving on various auxiliaries, committees and boards: Board of Stewards, Class Leaders' Council, Tuesday Night Bible Study, Cup of Water and Lay Organization. She was also a member of Bethel Education Center's Board of Directors. She served as pianist and directress for the Young Voices of Praise youth choir, as well as, serving as president and pianist for Bethel's Bowman Gospel Chorus for over 27 years.

I Thessalonians 5:18 says “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you”. The Bailey-Jackson Family is eternally thankful and grateful, to GOD, for the life, legacy, and love of our beloved, and His Daughter, Mary Louise Bailey-Jackson. "For This We Give You Praise!!!”

Mary Louise was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. George Sr. and Lenora Elizabeth Bailey; and her sister, Rev. Patricia Ann Matthews.

She leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Rev. LaTrell Bailey, Saginaw, Michigan; three step-daughters whom she loved as her own, Aretha Jackson, Saginaw, Michigan, Desiree Jackson, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Toyia Jackson, Saginaw, Michigan; eleven grandchildren; sister, Verna (William) Harris, Crockett, Texas; brother, Rev. Dr. George Jr. (Secilia) Bailey, Byram, Mississippi; four nieces, Angela Caldwell, Oakwood, Texas, Risha Bailey, Carrollton, Texas, Yosha Bailey, Irving, Texas, Tammie Gillespie, Arlington, Texas; niece and goddaughter, Kendra (Khari) Brown, Ann Arbor, Michigan; four nephews, Rev. Clyde Jr. (Evelyn) Mathews, Oakwood, Texas, John Jr. (Shalonda) Matthews, Duncanville, Texas, Shawn Matthews, Tallahassee, Florida, Donald Gillaspie, Arlington, Texas; brother-in-law, John Matthews, Sr., Duncanville, Texas; special brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Mary Jackson, Saginaw, Michigan; three goddaughters, Stephanie Ford, Saginaw, Michigan, Lashonda Wilson, Saginaw, Michigan, Marisela Reyes-Penn, Farmington Hills, Michigan; many other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends, including special friend, and her daughter's godmother, Cheri Smith, Debra Lane, Mrs. Eloise Powell, Mrs. Annie Jackson, Warren Jackson, Henry and Lillie Ford, John and Beatrice McAfee, Rev. P. David and Catherine Saunders, Barbara Jenkins and Ella Simmons, all of Saginaw, Michigan, and Betty Brown of Killeen, Texas.