Rose Mary Bailey Millard

Rose Mary Bailey-Millard lived a life rooted in love, resilience, faith, laughter, and service. Today, we gather not only to mourn her passing but to celebrate the beautiful legacy she leaves behind in her family, her friendships, her work, and the countless lives she touched.

Rose Mary Bailey-Millard was born on August 31, 1960, in Gary, Indiana, to Mattie Moore and Swift Terry Bausley. From the very beginning, she was surrounded by family, and throughout her life, family remained at the center of who she was. She departed this life on May 5, 2026, in Georgia, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to live on through all who loved her.

At the age of eight, Rose was baptized at St. Peters Missionary Baptist Church in Robinsonville, Mississippi. Her faith became a quiet but steady foundation throughout her life. She carried herself with compassion, strength, humility, and grace, showing love not only through words but through how she cared for others every single day.

Above all else, Rose deeply loved her family. She was a devoted wife to Theodore Millard and a loving mother to Ray Edward Bailey, Angeline Monique Hiley, Kristina Marie Ward, and Jason Darvell Bailey. Her children were among her greatest joys, and she poured love, wisdom, support, and encouragement into each of their lives.

Her love expanded beautifully into the next generation through her beloved grandchildren: Zona Jai-Rose Lydell, Micah Daniel Hiley (Mr. Miquel), Asali Sakura Ward, Wynter Rose Hiley, and Aya Sienna Ward. Being a grandmother brought her tremendous happiness, and her grandchildren will forever carry the warmth of her love and the memory of her joyful spirit.

Rose also treasured the deep bonds she shared with others. She had a particularly special relationship with her beloved cousin, Eunice Lydell, whose friendship and love remained constant throughout her life. She cherished lifelong friendships with Alesia Kim Hayes-Hill and Yvonne Cotton, relationships built over years of shared experiences, laughter, support, and loyalty. She also formed a lasting friendship with Connie Campbell, a work colleague who became family through the years.

Rose knew how to enjoy life. She loved to laugh, and her laughter had a way of making others feel lighter and more at ease. She loved to travel and embraced opportunities to see the world around her. Whether exploring locations across the United States or traveling internationally to France, the United Kingdom, and Canada, she appreciated experiences, adventure, and creating memories with the people she loved.

Professionally, Rose built a respected career as a medical credentialing specialist. Her knowledge, dedication, and professionalism earned the respect of many. Yet what made her truly special was how she used those gifts to serve others. As Senior Credentialing Coordinator for the Sickle Cell Consortium, she lent her expertise to a mission that profoundly impacted the sickle cell community. She volunteered her time generously and became a trusted and beloved presence to many families and patient Warriors.

To the sickle cell community, Rose was far more than a colleague, known lovingly as “Aunt Rose”; she was a source of kindness, warmth, encouragement, and compassion. Many lovingly described her as “a bright light,” and that description could not be more fitting. She had a spirit that brought comfort to others and a presence that made people feel seen, valued, and cared for.

Rose experienced profound loss throughout her life and was preceded in death by her parents, Mattie Moore and Swift Terry Bausley; her brothers Clarence, Alvin, Lee, Gregory, Ray, Doveon, and Jerome; and her sisters Jacquelyn, Theresa, and Mona. Though she endured heartbreak, she continued to move through life with strength, perseverance, and love.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her husband Theodore Millard; her children Ray, Angeline (William), Kristina (Corey), and Jason; her grandchildren Zona, Micah, Asali, Wynter, and Aya; her brothers Tyrone (Heika), Kenneth (Artie), and Tracy; her sisters Brenda, Doris, and Jessica (Harry); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends, colleagues, and community members whose lives were forever touched by her presence.

Today, while our hearts grieve, we also give thanks for the gift of Rose’s life. We give thanks for her laughter, her generosity, her wisdom, her service, her faith, and the love she gave so freely. Her journey on this earth may have ended, but the impact she made will continue through every person she encouraged, every family member she loved, and every life she brightened.

May we honor her by carrying forward the same compassion, joy, strength, and love that she gave to the world so naturally. Always remember to laugh and, as Rose would say, “don’t be a stick in the mud”.

Rest peacefully, Rose. Your light will never fade.

Visitation will be held at Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA 30076, US, on May 14, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Roswell Funeral Home, 950 Mansell Road, Roswell, GA 30076, US, on May 15, 2026, at 11:00 am. Folling the service Rose Mary will be laid to rest at Green Lawn Cemetery, Roswell, Georgia.