Melissa Lynn Bailey

Melissa (Mo, Lissy, Mel, Momma B) was born January 12, 1958 in Logan,OH to Harold and Arlene Bailey. She went to Indiana University (76-80) like her siblings and became a teacher. Watching the Indiana Hoosiers become National Champions was a highlight of her fandom (75-76 undefeated basketball season & 80-81 NCAA Basketball Champs rank as well). She loved sports, along with playing softball growing up, she also coached softball and volleyball. She got her CA credential and special education certification from CSU Long Beach (91-94). Her masters of education from United States International University (01). She taught from 1980 until 2018, this passion took her from Bloomington, IN to Ajo, AZ to Millersport, OH to Irvine, CA to Pickerington, OH.

After becoming a sister of Alpha Gamma Delta (Beta Delta - Indiana University) and then retiring from teaching, she became a sorority House Director, because her favorite part of teaching was always shaping and supporting young adults in their pursuits. This job took her from Ohio to Washington State University to USC to UCLA to The Ohio State University to Illinois Wesleyan University to Miami University (of Ohio) before she decided to retire completely. Melissa was a breast cancer survivor. Mel loved new adventures and meeting new people. To know her was to love her, she never knew a stranger. Mo had a story for everything and everyone. Lissy lived her life guided by faith and devoted to her family and friends. Momma B’s strength and spirit will have a lasting legacy to all those who have been lucky to know her.

Melissa is preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Arlene and her brother, Marc. She is survived by her children Jordan (granddog Thomas) and Jade (Mikayla and grandcats Callie, Salem, Cookie, Damon), brother Doug (Barb), sisters Pam (Lloyd) and Kim and sister-in-law Cathy, nephews and niece Andy, Ben (Jenna), Craig (Jolene), Jessica (McKay), Drew (Kate) and several great nieces and nephews and so many life-long friends she made over her wonderful life. She really was “the richest lady in town”, wherever that town may be.

We will celebrate Melissa’s life Saturday, May 23rd at Grace United Church of Christ. Details to follow.