Saturday, June 15, 2024

Thelma Bailey


(From Parker Mortuary)

Thelma E. Bailey, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away naturally on June 13, 2024, at the age of 95 in Joplin, MO. Born on July 2, 1928, in Seneca, MO, to the late Albert and Ola (Miller) Durham, 

Thelma lived a life that was honoring and pleasing to her Lord and Savior and was marked by selflessness and a deep commitment to her family and community.







A proud graduate of Carl Junction High School, class of 1936, Thelma dedicated 40 years of service to JC Penney as a Personnel Manager, retiring as a Regional Personnel Manager in Springfield, MO. Her unmatched work ethic and leadership were as remarkable as her kindness.

Thelma's spirit of service shone brightly through her involvement in her church, Fellowship Baptist of Joplin, and her unwavering presence in the lives of her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Thelma dearly loved her daughters, family and her church. She will long be remembered for her pie baking talents and homemade meals for birthdays and holidays for her family of over 20 people.

Lloyd and Thelma loved to travel. About 35 years ago, they began blessing their entire family with cruises and other vacations out of the country, all of which have filled our closets with precious albums and our hearts with irreplaceable memories and love.

Thelma leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories for her daughters, Wanda Shellenbarger (Kent) of Carl Junction and Linda Brockett (Michael) of Joplin; her grandchildren, Aaron (Lindsay) Brockett, Kalinda (Matthew) Skar, Lisa (Chris) Day, and Dana Wilkins; and her 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Oleta Williams of Tulsa, OK.

Thelma's life was a testament to the power of giving, and she will be remembered for her loving nature and the selfless way she approached every day. Her memory will continue to inspire all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.








Other than her parents, Thelma was preceded in death by her loving husband, Lloyd Bailey, whom she married on August 8, 1948 in Carl Junction. Lloyd passed on April 7, 2012. Thelma and Lloyd also suffered the loss of a precious great-granddaughter, Sophie Day, who passed away on September 20, 2007 at the age of 2 ½.

Funeral arrangements are planned for Wednesday, June 19, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at Parker Mortuary. Family will receive friends starting at 10:00 a.m. prior to service. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin.








Pallbearers will be Guy Wilkins, Brody Wilkins, Matthew Skar, Braxton Skar, Conor Brockett and Aaron Brockett.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home in care of the mortuary.


Family has entrusted funeral services to the care of Parker Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.

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