Donna K. Bailey

Donna Kay Bailey, 75, a woman of great love and devotion to her family, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 17, 2021, surrounded by her family at home in Dimondale. Donna was born August 29, 1945, in Palestine, Ill., the daughter of Phillip and Frieda (Hansen) Dale. In her youth, her family moved to El Dorado, Kansas, where she eventually met the love of her life, Garry Bailey. Garry and Donna married on June 9, 1964, and soon after moved to Michigan to raise their family. Throughout the years, Donna’s career followed several different paths. She was an LPN at Lansing General and worked in private nursing, served as a telephone operator in downtown Lansing, and most recently worked at I-94 Vehicle Auction, where she was known by coworkers and customers as “Momma D.” Above all, the highlight of her 75 years was raising five children, and loving her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her children and friends will always remember her energy and spirit as a youthful mother, and will forever miss her sassy affection and loving smirk.
Donna is survived by her husband of 56 years, Garry Bailey; sons, Rick (Brenda) Bailey and Allen Mizer; daughters, Cheryl Bailey-Holmes, Sherry (Dave) Bauman, and Shirley (Phil) Wallace; grandchildren, Kortney and Chance Mizer, Jesse Reist, Kayelee Cavender, Taylor Holmes, Christopher and Nicole Bauman, Tara Stevens, and Emily Brown; seven great-grandsons; one great-granddaughter; and brothers, Terry (Anna) Dale, Jim Reel, Dale Emmerson and Ron Emmerson. Awaiting her in Heaven are her great-granddaughter, Grace Renee; her parents; and her siblings.
Friends are encouraged to support Donna’s family. A family gathering will take place with a time of remembrance and celebration. If desired, the family suggests memorial contributions to Sparrow Hospice. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories of Donna on her tribute page at PrayFuneral.com. The family is in the care of Pray Funeral Home, Charlotte.