Bailey, Helen Keister

Helen Keister Bailey, 95, passed away Monday, January 24, 2011 at her home in Radford. She was born in Pulaski County on March 19, 1915, the daughter of the late John Bentley and Laura Virginia Furrow Keister. She was a graduate of Radford High School and has spent her lifetime giving her time to her community and local charities. She was a charter member of Fairlawn Presbyterian Church where she actively served on committees, taught Sunday School and Bible School, and received an Honorary Life Membership from the Presbyterian Women. She loved traveling, gardening, reading and doing crafts. She was preceded in death by her husband, William “June” Haden Bailey, Jr. and her daughter, Sandra Ann Bailey Sumner. She was the last surviving sibling, preceded in death by sisters, Virginia Donnelly, Alma Morgan, Edna Long and brothers, Irvin, Robert, Oscar, Frank and Lewis Keister. She is survived by her grandson, Sean Sumner, who is currently serving in the Peace Corps; and her granddaughter, Melissa Sumner Swisher and her husband, Shawn, of Staunton; nieces, nephews and cousins, Bud and Betty Walsh, Phyllis McCallie, Carol Gray and Robert Keister, John and Ann Donnelly, Jackie and Amanda Morgan; and special friends, Shirley Roby and Jerilyn McCoy Trew. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 29, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Fairlawn Presbyterian Church in Radford with the Rev. Terry Woodard officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 4 until 6 p.m. at the Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fairlawn Presbyterian Church Library. The Bailey family is in the care of Mullins Funeral Home in Radford. www.mullinsfuneralhome.com.