Myrtle V. Bailey

On Wednesday, July 24, 2024 a Gardner, who was walking among his beautiful flowers, stopped and picked a beautiful rose to carry home with him. This beautiful rose was named Myrtle Viola Bailey.

Myrtle, the seventh of nine children was born October 24, 1932 in Mineral Springs, Arkansas to John Christopher and Nellie Mae Scott.

She attended Dunbar Elementary School in Centerpoint, Arkansas from kindergarten through 10th grade. Her two remaining years were spent at Childress High School in Nashville, Arkansas where she graduated with honors. Myrtle was an outstanding basketball player in junior high and high school. She played the guard position. She loved the game and played it with all her heart. After graduating from high school, she attended AM&N, a Historically Black University in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Myrtle married Ruben Harold Bailey in 1968 and remained married until his death in 1985. No children were born to this union. She was a devoted and loving wife until the end.

Myrtle gave her life to Christ at an early age at Wesley Chapel Methodist Church in Centerpoint, Arkansas under the leadership of Rev. JT Tyus. In May of 1953 she moved to Kansas City, Missouri.

Myrtle was a longtime member of Progressive Missionary Baptist Church serving faithfully under the leadership of Pastor AM Hudson until his retirement. After his retirement, she continued her faithful service under the leadership of Pastor William F. Snorgrass, as long as her health permitted. Myrtle served as a member of the choir, the usher board, Deborah Circle and WMU. She served faithfully for close to 55 years.

Always known for her dedicated work ethic, Myrtle worked many jobs in her lifetime, but her last job before retirement was as an orderly at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri. She was a caring and compassionate worker, who believed all people, regardless of their status and background deserved the best care possible. She was an honest and trustworthy person who told you what you needed to hear instead of what you wanted to hear. She loved her family and church and was a true and devoted friend. Upon her retirement she devoted her life to the work of the Lord.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, John and Nellie Scott, two sons Kenneth Scott and Philip Scott. One daughter, Sharon Scott. Two brothers, James Scott and an infant twin. Four sisters, Cleo Childress, Chloe Harper, Lorraine Ellis and Geraldine Vaughn.

She leaves to mourn her passing one son, Rickey Scott, Kansas City, Missouri. Two stepdaughters, Bernice Dottery and Berdie Nicholson both of Kansas City, Missouri. Four grandchildren, Kenneth Gray, Kansas City, Missouri, Shari Scott, Kansas City, Missouri, Jahdal Robinson,  a.k.a. Jay and his wife Lori and Wali Bey,  a.k.a. Jamal and his wife, Makayla both of Dallas, Texas.  Two sisters, Patsy McGlothen, Kansas City, Missouri and Shirley Johnson, Phoenix, Arizona. Several great grandchildren, one great-great grandchild and a host of nieces and nephews and other family and friends.