Jane Elizabeth Coleman Bailey, formerly of Greenwood, Ms. died at home in Iola, Tx. on Oct. 7, 2013 after a long battle with cancer. Jane was born in in Greenwood on Dec. 7, 1936 to John Eades and Elizabeth McCaddon Coleman. She attended local schools, graduating in 1954 with honors from Greenwood High School. She attended MSCW (MUW) and the University of MS. Following college, Jane modeled for John Robert Powers Agency in Houston, TX where she met her husband of 42 years, Bryan Keith Bailey, a native of Bryan. TX. After his death she and her brother John moved from Bryan to nearby Iola to have room for her flowers and their treasured adopted rescue animals.
A valued employee of Texas A&M University, Jane served as development specialist and fund raiser at the Memorial Student Union for 28 years. Her duties included arranging and accompanying honor students and faculty on domestic and foreign trips, as well as planning seminars at the Memorial Student Union. During last year's renovation of the Union building, former students, friends and faculty made contributions toward renovation and renaming of the board conference room, now known as The Jane Bailey Board Conference Room, in her honor. The A&M Memorial Student Center Director, Will Brooks, said at the September, 2013, retirement dinner honoring Jane that she was known as 'The first lady of the A&M Memorial Student Center.'
A Celebration of Life Service was held Oct. 11, 2013 at the Daniel &Son Funeral Home Chapel in Bryan, TX. with a reception following for faculty, students and friends.
Survivors include her beloved brother, John Eades Coleman, Jr., cousins: Aden Coleman Pryor of Greenwood, MS, Harriett Lenoir (The Rev. Mr. Scott Lenoir) of Gautier, MS, and Albert Richard Coleman (Margaret Pillow) of Knoxville, Tn.
Graveside services will be at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Greenwood, MS. 11 A.M. Friday, December 20, 2013. The Rev. Dr. Rusty Douglas will officiate.
Memorials may be made to Leflore County Humane Shelter, 601 Ione St., Greenwood Ms. 38930 or to a charity of donor's choice.