Helen Johnson Bailey

Helen Johnson Bailey of Waynesboro passed away Saturday, April 2, 2022. She was born January 13, 1937 to the late Lois and Jesse Johnson, Sr. of Hephzibah, GA. She was married to the late Otis W. Bailey, Sr. for 64 years. She is survived by four daughters, Linda Mims (Bobby) of Martinez, Virginia Jenkins of Waynesboro, Cynthia Harbeson (David) of Evans, and Sharon Pierson (Cole) of Waynesboro; one son, Otis Wesley Bailey, Jr. (Tonya) of Waynesboro; ten grandchildren, Emily Crawford, Gina Richardson (Doug), Dr. John Jenkins (Angela), Stoney Turnage (Sarah), Jeffrey Corley, Jodi Judy (John), Otis “Opie” W. Bailey, III, Gabe Bailey, Brandon Pierson (Becky), and Kitty Barks (Josh); eleven great grandchildren; five siblings, Nell Mobley of Waynesboro, Lucile Cheeks of Evans, Virginia Mead (Shorty) of Waynesboro, Jimmy Johnson (Mary Ann) of Hephzibah, and Richard Johnson of Bay Minette, AL; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and her husband, she is preceded in death by a brother, Jesse Johnson, Jr. Helen was a bookkeeper and worked for Goldberg Furniture, Delta Termite & Pest Control, and Burke County Animal Hospital. For as long as she was able, she especially enjoyed cutting grass with her riding lawnmower. She never met a stranger and welcomed everyone as family. She was happiest when surrounded by people; children especially brought a smile to her face. Her quick wit and gift of gab kept everyone laughing and on their toes. Helen was a long-time member of Rosemont Baptist Church in Waynesboro, where she faithfully served until moving to St. John Towers in Augusta in 2018. Helen had lived for 66 years at her home in Waynesboro and moved to St. John Towers unsure of how she would like “apartment living”. But in this community, she thrived because of the many friendships she made. Rumor has it, her lunch table was the place to be for a good time. The family is very grateful to the staff and residents for making her years there most enjoyable. Funeral Services will be held 12:00 noon Thursday, April 7 at Rosemont Baptist Church with Rev. Keith Alderman and Rev. Mike Flowers officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Vision Fund of Rosemont Baptist Church, 522 Hwy 25 North, Waynesboro, GA 30830. DeLoach-McKerley-Prescott Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 220 East 6th Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830 (706-554-3531) You may sign the guest book at www.deloachfuneralhomes.com.