Community to celebrate 90th birthday of Etta Jean Bailey

Cancer survivor, credits her longevity to a faith in God, eating right and love of family

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

On Sunday, December 8th, family and friends will come together to honor and celebrate the 90th birthday of Ms. Etta Jean Bailey at Pilgrim Rest Christian Church in Jennette, where she has been a cherished member for nearly 60 years. The celebration will be a heartfelt tribute to a woman whose life has been marked by faith, dedication to family, and a tireless commitment to her community.

Ms. Bailey, a proud 56-year breast cancer survivor, credits her longevity to a strong faith in God, a wholesome diet, and the love and support she receives from those around her. Known for her warm heart and generous spirit, she has always been deeply involved in her community, from gardening

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Etta Jean Bailey will be celebrating her 90th birthday this Sunday in Crawfordsville.

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and quilting to assisting children and the elderly. Her leadership and service have been widely recognized, including her work with the Jeanette Community Action Council, Humanity United Together, and her unwavering involvement in election efforts and her church.

Born the only daughter of Rachel Powell and Luther Bailey, a beloved figure known as “Tiller of the Soil,” Ms. Bailey has witnessed the passage of time with grace. Her father, who enjoyed a long and prosperous life, left a lasting agricultural legacy in Crittenden County. It is clear that Ms. Bailey inherited her strong work ethic from him, having started working at the young age of 9. Over the years, she worked in various fields, including private homes, restaurants, hotels, nursing homes, childcare, and on farms. Despite having completed only the fifth grade, her determination and work ethic never wavered.

Ms. Bailey is the proud mother of four children: Rene Henderson, Neal Bailey, Michael Bailey, and James Walker. She is surrounded by a loving and supportive family, including stepchildren, godchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as long-term friends, former co-workers, and fellow church members. She also receives devoted care and attention from the Blossom Springs of Avalon healthcare family, who play an essential role in her life.

The birthday celebration will begin immediately following the church’s 11:00 a.m. worship service, with a special tribute led by her son, Pastor Neal Bailey, who has had the honor of serving as his mother’s pastor for the past four years. The event will include a musical performance, an acoustical performance by Rickey Walker, and a surprise tele-appearance from her nieces and nephews on the West Coast. The celebration will be further marked by state and local citations and greetings, followed by a free, delicious birthday dinner and fellowship in the church’s Fellowship Hall.

Everyone is invited to join in this joyous occasion and celebrate a remarkable woman who has touched countless lives. For more information, please contact Crystal Walker, daughter-in-law, at 830-3604429 or Rene Bailey Henderson, daughter, at 501-5851109.

Pilgrim Rest Christian Church is located at 496 Peeple’s Road, Crawfordsville.