Nelda Duke Bailey was born on January 21, 1942 to Hanley and Ruth Harris Duke. She was raised in the Welti community with her siblings: James Allen Duke, Janice Duke Jarrells and Wendell Duke. They were active members of the community and Mt. Zion Baptist Church. She attended Welti School and later became a 1960 graduate of Fairview High School.
As a young adult, she married Sherman Bailey on her 19th birthday on January 21, 1961 and moved to the High School Addition, and later to the Gum Pond Community in Morgan County, AL. The adventure did not stop there. Sherman accepted the call to preach in 1968 where she faithfully served alongside with him at Corinth Baptist in Joppa, New Hope #2 Baptist in Holly Pond, Ruth Baptist in Arab, Point Mallard Parkway in Decatur, Duck River Baptist and Walter Baptist both in Cullman. She was an integral part in his ministry all while raising three children: TIm, Sheila and Sherri. Her profession was listed as a Homemaker but she was so much more than that. She was a provider, care giver, comfort in a storm, rock that we depended on, a daughter, sister, wife, mother but her true pride was as Grandmother to her 10 grandchildren: Sara Catherine (Katie), Jessica, Brooke, Allison, Alan-Michael, Brady (deceased), Braleigh, Jarrett, Payton and Brynn. She was their #1 fan and true supporter in EVERYTHING they participated in and she was willing to BRAG on them to anyone that would listen. She extended that joy even more with the addition of the great grandkids: Frances, Eliza, Bentley, Ellie, Liam Brady, Riley, Charlotte and Baylor.
Outside of her grandchildren and their activities, she loved her many hours in her “sewing room” where she would indulge in mounds of materials to create some outfits, craft projects or the latest quilts. At night, she would bring those crafting hands to sit in her chair to crochet, quilt piecing or even read. She did not believe in “idle hands” – a trait she inherited from her mother, Mama Duke!
She is described by her grandkids as: patient, radiant, nurturing, helpful, joyful, incredible, happy, always smiling, resourceful, light-hearted and content!
Some of their favorite “Grandmother” sayings are:
● “Mmmmm, Hello” as she answers the phone
● “Back away from the TV, you’re gonna hurt your eyes”
● “Don’t slam the doors”
● “You can get glad in the same pants you got mad in”
● “In or Out”
● “I’m gonna get your goat”
● “Goodness Gracious”
● “Well” (with hand motions” )
In pre-planning her funeral, mother chose her poem for the announcement card, the one phrase that encompasses mother’s heart and soul is “When you are lonely and sick at heart, go to the friends we know and bury your sorrows in doing good deeds” Her advice to us, Be a blessing and show the true love of Jesus by caring for others!
In lieu of flowers, she requested donations be sent to Alabama Baptist Children’s Home, 1404 16th Ave SE, Decatur, AL 35601 in her memory. The check can be mailed to the Decatur Office. The mailing address is:
1404 16th Ave SE, Decatur, AL 35601
Please include within the envelope that it is in memory of Nelda. Also write that it is for the Decatur office on the check.
