Sherry Bailey

Sherry Marie King Bailey

Brooklet, GA –           Sherry Marie King Bailey, 50, loving wife of 24 years to David “Rodney” Bailey Jr., peacefully entered into her eternal rest Sunday afternoon, May 17, 2020 at Community Hospice in Vidalia.  Because of the current ordinances regarding COVID-19 and the family’s respect and concern for public health and safety, the family will hold services to celebrate her life at a later date.  At this time of sorrow in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the family asks that you acknowledge her passing with your thoughts and prayers for the family.

Born in Highland Park MI, Sherry was the youngest of four born to the late Dorothea Dahl King and the late Charles King. The family moved to the Marietta/Kennesaw area in 1982 where Sherry was a 1988 graduate of North Cobb High School. She then attended Gordon College pursuing a degree in the performing arts. This dream was cut short as she assisted in the care of her father who had fallen ill with Alzheimer’s. In 1992, working as a waitress, she met the love of her life, Rod who was on his college Billiards team, on the last day that Barleys Billiards was open.  They were married in 1995 and after only 3 months of wedded bliss found that she had ovarian cancer. A fighter with a zest for life, she endured the surgery and treatments, successfully becoming a cancer survivor.  Then at the age of 39, she was diagnosed with early onset of Alzheimer’s, fighting this disease with courage, strength and bravery.  Moving to Brooklet in 2019, she enjoyed the quiet, peaceful country life.

Sherry had a laid-back personality, with an adventurous streak and a love for travel. During summer breaks in high school, she would travel to various locations, find a job to support herself and explore her surrounding—Yellowstone National Park and Jackson Hole for example. As a graduation present to herself, she and friends went on a European trip, traveling over Europe and Great Britain. Another favorite place she enjoyed visiting was Jamaica. Because of her love for travel, she worked for a while as a travel agent. Described as an “international traveler”, she was awed by the beauty of the world and loved the interaction with people and learning different cultures.

Having a love for children, she taught at St. Martins Episcopal, as well as being a nanny to several children before her health decline. She made learning fun and exciting. Not the “baby sitter” type, she engaged the children with arts and crafts, music, and fun playtime.  She had a positive influence on many children, who, now as adults, still remember her fun-loving spirit, dedication and encouragement.

One of Sherry’s fondest memories was her family’s Christmas Eve parties. Being very social and gregarious, they would have family and friends—50 to 60 or more people—over every year to celebrate Christmas. Memories of the time she spent with her grandmother in Canada was also very precious to her. Making great memories and keeping close family ties were very important to her.

Sherry was an enormous Wizard of Oz fan and collector of Wizard of Oz memorabilia. The movie stimulated her artistic side and instilled in her a desire to be in movies. She was successful in this endeavor, getting roles as extras in several movies—Boxing Helena and Remember The Titans, to name a couple. Music soothed her soul and she loved to sing. She especially liked 80’s music, country music, southern rock, with the Beatles being her absolute favorite. She could hear a song once and know the words, singing along with the radio. Even towards the end of her battle with Alzheimer’s, she could still remember the words of songs and sing.

Sherry loved simple things and was a great bargain shopper. Her simplistic life-style combined with her sense of adventure, fun-loving nature, deep faith and joy made life interesting and complete. She lived life to its fullest and loved the people in it beyond measure. Her faith and trust in the Lord brought her through life’s hardest trials. No one can fill the void she has left, but great memories of her sustain us and remind us of this extraordinary person, Sherry Bailey, who will be forever in our hearts.

Sherry was also preceded in death by her brother, Charlie King; and nephew, Ryan King. Those left to cherish her memory also include her sister, Carol Spreitzer (Rick) of Eminence KY; brother, Steve King (Carrie) of Cartersville; nieces and nephews, Ricky Spreitzer (Traci), Rebecca Spreitzer, Tyler King, Joshua King, Benn King (Sara) and Alicia Davis (Nicolas); great nephew, Jacen King; great niece, Ryan Spreitzer; and many friends.

The family wishes to express their gratitude for the kindnesses evidenced in thought, deed and prayer.  In lieu of food and/or flowers, memorial contributions are requested to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Savannah or Augusta by mailing your check to 4849 Paulsen St, Ste 103, Savannah GA 31406 or to 106 SRP Dr, Evans GA 30809; or by visiting their website www.alz.org.