of Searcy, AR
August 18, 1929 - November 20, 2015
Wilma Bailey Gibson, 86, of Searcy passed away on November 20, 2015. She was born August 18, 1929 to the late Burrell and Lola Mae Allen. She was also preceded in death by her 1st husband, Charles Bailey; five brothers and three sisters.
Mrs. Gibson was a member of Westside Church of Christ since 1973 as well as a member of the sojourners mission. Wilma graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harding where she earned degree in teaching. She used her gifts and talents as an elementary teacher in Bradford for 19 years. After teaching Wilma enjoyed being a member of the White County Medical Center Auxiliary.
Mrs. Gibson is survived by her husband whom she married December 29, 1999, Don Gibson; son, Allen Paul Bailey and daughter, Candi Bailey Woxland and husband John; grandchildren, Rebecca Bailey, Connie Woxland (Dan) and Jack Woxland; brother, Delbert Allen; also many other loving family members and friends.
Funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2015, at Westside Church of Christ in Searcy with Fred Picker and James Anderson officiating. Interment will follow in the White County Memorial Garden with Dale Brewer, Art Wells, Jerry Wells, Brad Haddox, Doug Shepherd and Henry Berry serving as pallbearers. Donnie Clay will serve as an honorary pallbearer. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers the family request donations to be made to: Arkansas Hospice (14 Parkstone Circle North Little Rock, AR 72116) www.arkansashospice.org
Mrs. Bailey was a wonderful influence on her Bradford Elementary students, including me. We loved to hear of her travels, including her trip on the Achille Lauro which was later hijacked, and tried to get her to reveal her age more than once — although she always kept that a secret. On Facebook, a classmate recalled how she sent each of us a postcard from Alaska the summer after we finished her 4th grade class. That was just one of the many ways she made her students at Bradford feel special. While I haven't seen her for many years, I am saddened that she is no longer with us — but do not doubt that she is now in a better place. Thoughts and prayers go out to her husband and family.
Such a wonderful lady! She was my 6th grade teacher at Bradford! She will be truly missed but always in my heart! Sleep well Mrs. Bailey! I was blessed to have known you! Scott Harmon
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Bailey's family. She was a very sweet lady who touched many lives.
Our sincere condolences to Candi and the rest of your family. Our prayers to you all too. Take care everyone and safe travels home.
I had the blessing of having Mrs. Bailey as a teacher and then meeting her again as Mrs. Gibson. I was able to tell her how much I loved her. We went into the past and talked about her travels as we did back in the fourth grade. Don, I love you, too. Thank you for caring for the teacher that made such a difference in my life and others.
Devon Kimberling-Stewart
Thoughts and prayers are with the family. Wilma was such a dear person. Have so many wonderful memories of when we carpooled and taught at Bradford School.