Treasured memories are cherished by the family of Joan Evelyn Bailey. Joan, 70, went home to her Lord and Savior on August 29, 2019. During her time on Earth, Joan’s kind heart, generous nature, and touch of orneriness made the world a brighter place for all those around her. An avid collector of angels, Joan’s love of the Lord made her an angel here on Earth to many. A powerful prayer warrior, Mrs. Bailey moved many mountains with her worshipful words. In this world, Joan embraced the phrase, “Cleanliness is next to Godliness,” serving as a housekeeping supervisor for Mercy Hospital for over 20 years.
Joan was born on August 11, 1949, to Homer and Bessie (Cady) West, the sixth of eight children. In her younger years, siblings recall Joan’s ability to simultaneously behave as a complete angel and a total character.
Joan met the love of her life, Lewis Kenneth Bailey, in 1965 in Olathe, Kansas. The soulmates wed on July 25, 1969. To this blessed union, two adored children, Timothy Allen and Kimberly Ann, were born. Next to the Lord, Joan loved her family most of all, finding them a tremendous source of support and strength. For Joan, family was not limited to relatives, and she truly never met a stranger. A familiar face to many, Joan and Lewis have called Fort Scott Kansas, home since the early seventies.
Joan is survived by her loving husband of fifty years, Lewis Bailey; her son Tim (Shayla) Bailey; her daughter Kim (Jess) Fletcher; and five beautiful granddaughters: Allexis, Allie, Rayna, Kandace, and Brinley. Joan’s surviving siblings include Harold (Jolene) West, Hazel Spielman, Lessie Williams, and Cheryl West. Joan was also loved by many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
Joan was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Hester Forester, Carl West, and Roland West.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. Thursday, September 5th at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 P.M. Wednesday at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Memorials are suggested to the Bethel Community Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, 201 S. Main, P.O. Box 347, Ft. Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.
