Norma Sue Bailey of Loogootee passed away on February 17, 2023, at Jasper Memorial Hospital. She was a member of the Loogootee Methodist Church and faithfully supported the Humane Society of Martin County. She was 76 years old.
Born in Wayne County, Illinois, on October 14, 1946, Norma was the fourth of five daughters born to Loren and Mildred (Whitson) Finley. As you would expect, the house was regularly filled with raucous cackles and the smell of home cooking, both of which Norma excelled at. Her smile was contagious and her compassionate blue eyes spoke volumes for the depth of love in her heart, love mainly held for her soulmate, Marvin “Butch” Bailey, whom she married on June 20, 1964.
A move to Indiana in 1975 brought new pathways for Butch and Norma and their three small children. Soon after, Norma began her career handling the public interactions for Butch’s many businesses and she did it with graciousness and warmth, getting to know many of the people of Martin County by name. From Bailey Brothers Trucking to Butch’s Classic Cars, she stood by her husband through thick and thin, working long hours to make his dreams a reality. Even after her merited retirement, Norma went on to serve the community by volunteering within her church and local food pantry. She was an avid supporter of the Barnabas Trail Ministries.
Norma is survived by daughter Pamela (Jason) Loughmiller of Loogootee, sons Marvin W (Linda) Bailey of Dover Hill and Carroll (Alisha) Bailey of Loogootee. She was the proud grandmother of Dr. Alexandra (Jared) Wathen, Austin (Julie) Bailey, Connor Bailey, Sara Bailey, Hannah “Nan” Bailey, Frank Dobson and Paige Dobson, and great-grandson, McColley Dobson. Also surviving are Norma’s sisters Peggy Carlisle, Carolyn Wolfe, and Beverly (Von) Anderson. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Marvin J. Bailey, her parents, and her sister, Linda Weaver.
There will be a visitation at Loogootee Methodist Church, 208 West Main Street, Loogootee, Indiana, from 4 – 8 on Thursday, February 23, 2023. Officiant, Gary Norris, will conduct a funeral service at Arrington “Bailey” Church in Wayne City, Illinois, Friday, February 24, 2023, at 12PM EST (11 CST) with visitation from 11AM EST (10 CST) to service start time. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers and gifts may be made to the Martin County Humane Society or to the Loogootee Methodist Church. Arrangements are under the direction of the Queen-Lee Chapel of George Funeral Care in Shoals, Indiana and Young’s Funeral Home, Wayne City, Illinois.
