Graveside service for Dorothy Bailey Paulson, age 93, formerly of Decatur, will be Tuesday, April 22, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Roselawn Cemetery with Reverend Eddie Scheler officiating and Shelton Funeral Home directing.
Mrs. Paulson passed away peacefully in The Woodlands, Texas, on April 15, 2014, after a lingering illness. Born in Green Castle, Mo., on February 1, 1921, the daughter of George “Pete” Allen and Daisy McFarland Allen. Dorothy grew up in and around this small farming community, marrying her high school classmate, Harold Bailey, in 1940.
When he enlisted in World War II, Dorothy worked and cared for their two young daughters until the war’s end. In following years, the family was on the move, wherever Harold’s work with Amoco took them. In 1966, the Bailey’s settled in Decatur, a place where she loved to live for the next 45 years. Until her health declined, Dorothy was defined by her energy and enthusiasm, throwing herself into all she did with gusto. She had a zest for life, enjoying many hobbies, including golfing, bridge, playing, entertaining, square dancing, genealogy, and traveling the country by RV. She was very proud of having traveled to all of the United States. In quiet moments, Dorothy loved to read, and at one time was a prolific and talented crafter of afghans and cross stitched samplers. She also enjoyed her reputation for good home cooking.
Dorothy was preceded in death by Harold in 1978; her second husband, Jerry Paulson in 2011; her older brother and sister, Elmo and Dessie, in childhood; her younger sister, Donna Ayer in 1997; and her first great-grandchild, Bailee Anne Gantt, in 1990.
She is survived by two daughters, Linda Robbins of The Woodlands, Texas, and Carol Hrehor of Big Bay, Mich.; four grandchildren, Laura Hrehor of Houston, Texas, Cameron Hrehor (Jana) of Denver, Colo., Stacie Cravens (Brian) of Cypress, Texas, Chris Robbins (Brandy) of Forth Worth, Texas; nine great-grandchildren, Mallory, Kaylee, Hallie, Alexis, Carter, Sophie, Ashlyn, Natalie and Carissa; and her nephews and nieces in northeast Missouri.
A memorial service will be held for the family in Houston, Texas, after which Dorothy will be laid to rest in Roselawn Cemetery in Decatur, next to her husband of 38 years, Harold Bailey.
Expressions of sympathy in memory of Dorothy may be made to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Decatur, a church community much loved and appreciated by Dorothy and Jerry during their 20-year marriage.
