Blance Bailey

SIKESTON - Vesta Blanche Bailey, 92, died Jan. 26, 2004, at her home.

Born June 22, 1911, in Seymour, daughter of the late James Walter and Mamie Hicks Denney, she was a member of the First Baptist Church in Sikeston. She had served as pianist and later as organist for the First Baptist Church in Lilbourn for 20 years before moving to Sikeston. A retired secretary and bookkeeper, she was also a member of New Madrid Chapter 293 Order of the Eastern Star where she had served in many positions. She was a grand representative of Virginia, a district deputy grand matron of the 51st District and was grand organist of Missouri Grand Chapter in 1982.

On Sept. 10, 1933, in Mansfield, she married Robert Lewis Bailey. They enjoyed 50 years together before he preceded her in death on June 3, 1984.

Also preceding her in death were two daughters, Delores Elaine Bailey Snodgrass and Lois Rosemary Bailey Carlisle; two brothers, Wayne Denney and Kenneth Denney; and one sister, Hazel Goldsmith.

Survivors include: six grandchildren, Scott Reynolds Snodgrass, Rilla Lynn Snodgrass Smith and Carol Snodgrass of Memphis, Tenn., Martin Leigh Carlisle of Risco, David Wayne Carlisle of Germantown, Md., and Edward Lewis Carlisle of Olive Branch, Miss.; nine great-grandchildren, Pfc. Darrick Leigh Carlisle and Amanda Leighann Carlisle Campbell of Jacksonville, N.C., Martin Keith Carlisle of Risco, Michael Lewis Berry and Parker Allen Smith of Memphis, Tenn., Zachary Lewis Carlisle and Vincent Edward Carlisle of Olive Branch and Ryan Christopher Carlisle and Andrew Lewis Carlisle of Germantown; and several nieces and nephews.

An Eastern Star service will be conducted at 4 p.m. Friday followed by visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. at Ponder Funeral Home in Sikeston.

Funeral services are scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Rick Ramsey, pastor, officiating.

Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery.

Paid obituary