Southlake, TX – Shirley Ann Bailey, lovingly known as “Mimi,” passed away peacefully at the age of ninety-three in Southlake, Texas, on Friday, January 16, after a long and beautifully lived life.
Born and raised in Stevensville, Montana, Shirley graduated from Stevensville High School in 1950, where she was deeply involved in school life. She participated in chorus, drama club, the school newspaper, and the Future Homemakers of America, where she served in leadership roles. Shirley was also a cheerleader, a member of the drill and physical education teams, and a member of the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls.
Shirley went on to attend Western Montana College in Dillon, Montana, earning her degree in Education in 1952. While in college, she remained active in campus life through the Future Teachers of America and drama club and was awarded the honor of 1951 Homecoming Queen.
Shortly after graduating, Shirley began her teaching career before marrying the love of her life, Higgins Dee Bailey, in 1953. Together, they built a life centered on love, partnership, and family.
As Higgins worked to create opportunities for their family, Shirley was a devoted and supportive wife, providing the steady foundation that held it all together.
She was a dedicated mother to five children: Brooke, Brente, Clarke, Scott, and Skye; creating a home filled with warmth, care, and unwavering support.
While she was proud of her many accomplishments, Shirley’s greatest joy and most cherished role was being a grandmother. As “Mimi” to twelve grandchildren: Lacey, Easton, Brittany, Blake, Turner, Trent, Morgan, Warner, Conner, Madison, Rio, and Diva; she was the heart of the family. She loved deeply and unconditionally, making each grandchild feel uniquely seen and cherished. Mimi’s love did not divide across twelve; it multiplied, leaving a lasting impact on each of their lives. She also had seven great-grandchildren: Beckett, Isla, Russell, Brooks, Lillian, Sutton, and Tucker.
Shirley will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, strength, and unmistakable spark of sass.
She is survived by her five children, twelve grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and her loving niece, Betty Lynn Little.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Higgins Bailey; her parents, Henry and Helen Rehberg; her brother, Bill Rehberg; and her nephew, Stephen Rehberg.
A life well lived is measured in love, and Shirley’s was immeasurable. Her legacy lives on in the family she built and the love she gave so freely.
A service celebrating Shirley’s life will be held at Whitesitt Funeral Home on Saturday, May 16 at 1:00 P.M. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.
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