Beverly J. Bailey

Beverly J. Bailey, age 92, of Grand Rapids MI passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 21, 2021. She was preceded in death by her parents, Irving and Bernice Knight and 14 siblings; son-in-law, Brian O’Driscoll; grandsons, Bradley Foster, Jason VanTil and many, many lifelong friends. There was a joyful reunion in heaven, of that, we are sure! She will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by her husband of 70 years, Steven Bailey; daughters, Patti (Larry) Foster, Pam (Bob) VanTil and Teri O’Driscoll; grandchildren, Matt Foster, Michelle Foster, Jessica (Matt) Kemper, Shannon (Jonathan) Echols, Justin (Fenella) O’Driscoll and Erin O’Driscoll; great grandchildren, Cole and Ellie Foster, Ethan and Nolen Kemper, Shamari (Isamar) Echols, Malana Thocher, Jayonna Echols and Leyah Thocher. Throughout their lives, Steve and Bev enjoyed traveling and exploring new places. Bev was always curious and loved learning. She was a lover of birds, a collector of recipes, and an avid reader. When she couldn’t sew anymore, she took up knitting and crocheting. She loved flowers and gardening. When she couldn’t dig in the garden anymore, she collected potted plants and flowers on her porch. When she could no longer drive, she rode the Go-Bus. She always persevered and found ways to keep forging ahead. In her late 70’s Beverly was a newcomer to computers and delighted in learning how to use email, sending family and friends hundreds of jokes, inspiring stories and caught up on news. Bev saw so many changes in technology during her lifetime and never thought twice about learning something new. We remember fondly the little funny messages that were left on our phones later in life…(Hey, can you tell dad how to turn the car on???) catching snippets of conversations between Mom & Dad in the 2-3 seconds as she hung up the phone. IE, “I think I left a message…I don’t know Steve, she didn’t answer”. We are in awe of the richness of her life, which she happily and joyfully shared with us all, to the very end. Beverly J. Bailey, wife of Steven, mother of three, sister to 14 siblings, Kentwood elementary teacher and student of life will be carried on by each of us who loved her, remaining forever in our hearts. A graveside service will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, 4100 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming. For those who wish, memorial contributions can be made to Faith Hospice or Foundation for Catholic Secondary Education, re: Brian “McDivot” O’Driscoll Scholarship Fund  https://community.grcatholiccenteral.org/endowedscholarships  

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