Virginia Lucille Bailey

Virginia “Boo” Lucille Bailey, 91, returned to her heavenly home on February 9th, 2023, comfortable and with her children by her side. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her throughout her life and ultimately gave her peace.

Virginia was born to George C. Smiley and Icy “Ike” Aurtrip on January 25, 1932 in Coeburn, Virginia.  She was immersed in her family and Christian values that would be her lifelong support from an early age. She was an extremely respected member of the Sandlick community for many years and was a member of the Sandlick United Methodist Church.

Virginia married her best friend, Steve D. Bailey, on September 2, 1950, in Abingdon, Virginia.  Virginia and Steve raised spent 60 years together, raised two children with patience, discipline, and humility, and were an integral part of their grandchildren’s lives.  They both had an enormous sense of pride in their children’s many accomplishments.

Virginia was a traveler at heart. She was kind and soft-spoken and respected by all who crossed her path. She always had time for others and company. She is dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate the fact that she is at peace with her Creator.

Virginia was blessed with a large and loving family and friends who became family.  She is survived by her brother Roy Smiley and wife Penny and children, her two children, Michael Bailey and wife Melissa, Lori Branham and husband Mike, her three grandchildren, Steve Bailey and wife Melissa, Aaron Bailey and wife Santana, Heath Branham and wife Elizabeth, and by her two great-grandchildren, Jackson Bailey and Maris Ann Bailey.  She is also survived by her cousin Sue King and dear friend Rick King and their children and grandchildren.

Virginia is preceded in death by her loving husband Steve, her parents George and Ike, and her sister Maryann “Pidge” Helmick.

Services will be conducted by Melody Rickman at Shires Funeral Service on Friday, February 17, 2023.  Family will be welcomed at 12:30pm, followed by an open visitation 1-2pm, and funeral service at 2pm.