Velma F. (Evans) Bailey
March 13, 2023 West Grove, PAVelma F. (Evans) Bailey, 92, of West Grove, PA born January 25, 1931 and went home to be with the Lord on March 13, 2023. Velma left a legacy of generous love for her family and faith in Jesus Christ.
A seventy-two year resident of West Grove, Velma served her family and community in doing small good things. She was in the first graduating class of the new Avon Grove High School (now Charter School) matriculating from New London Academy, where three signers of the Declaration of Independence attended school some 200 years prior. She was a baker serving Avon Grove School students with a smile, a “cafeteria lady”, for twenty-five years. She helped with Girl Scouts and we remember the basement filled with cases of cookies the year she was Cookie Chairman.
Church and family were the center of her life. An active member of Avondale Presbyterian Church for nearly six decades, she saw to it that her children attended church and Sunday school each week, and as they got older, youth group. She served as a Trustee and sang in the choir and in her later years she traveled with the pastor to serve communion to shut-ins.
“Family was all that mattered” was one of her mantras. Summers included an annual family beach vacation, family reunions, and picnics. Christmas and Thanksgiving were festive family meals with her beloved brother John Evans and family. Many summers included a vegetable garden and the kids picking green beans and helping with canning. Mom and kids spent many happy afternoons playing Rook and pinochle in the hot summer days. Later in life she enjoyed watching the Phillies games and talking sports with the family.
She and her beloved late husband Harold were married 62 years and began their family in West Grove with their first daughter born in the old West Grove hospital. Left to cherish her memory are daughters Judith Napieralski, Ginger Kielarowski (Ray), son Bruce Bailey (Julia), and five grandchildren; Bailey, Meredith (Ryan Little), DJ, Caroline, and Wyatt. She was preceded in death by her parents Myrl (Bowers) and William Evans, brother John Evans, and grandchildren Mason and Rachel Bailey.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at Avondale Presbyterian Church on Friday, March 17 at 11:00AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Avondale Presbyterian Church, 420 Pennsylvania Ave, Avondale, PA 19311.
To view her online tribute and to share a memory with her family, please visit www.kuzoandfoulkfh.com
Memorial Donations
Avondale Presbyterian Church
Services
Celebration of Life
March 17, 2023 11:00AM Avondale Presbyterian Church420 Pennsylvania Ave.
Avondale, PA 19311.
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Ginger, Judy, Bruce and family,
Velma was one nice person who I have known from church, but my dear husband Tommy knew her from growing up in
New London. Her brother John was his great buddy from his youth. Tommy had many memories of “hanging out” at the Bailey home through the years. Recently I had the privilege of seeing Velma again at her birthday party to share one Tommy’s memories. She will be remembered by all who knew her. Her legacy is blessed by the family she raised and the many lives she touched on her journey.
Judy, Ginger and Bruce,
When you live next door to someone for so many years the memories you gather are endless.
The bond our parents had for over 50+ years, even through the shenanigans while we were growing up, it never wavered and will always be remembered.
We extend our deepest condolences to you and your families.
The Saienni Family
Dear Judy, Ginger, Bruce and families,
Your Mother was one of the sweetest women I have known. I have many fond memories of working with her both in Scouts and at school functions. But mostly at APC where she was such a dedicated friend to work with when we used to serve big community meals. She was always very kind, had a winning smile and was a strong prayer warrior.
Your families are in my prayers.
I am very sorry to hear. I have such fond memories of Mrs. Bailey. I always enjoyed talking with her…she was a special lady. Thinking of all of you. – David Bryan
Dear Family, I always enjoyed conversations with Mrs. Bailey. She was such a special lady. May wonderful memories comfort you.
Jean Bryan
Bailey Family – Velma will be missed by all of us here on State Road. Velma and my mom worked together at the school and my dad and Harold worked together at Tippie Connell’s tractor in West Grove. We have all known each other for years.
Hold on to the memories and she will be with you forever. Thoughts and prayers.
Bonnie D’Antonio