Shirley Wanda Bailey

Shirley Wanda Bailey born and raised in San Jose, CA passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 91, on September 24, 2019. Just 29 days away from her 92nd birthday. Shirley was born on October 23, 1927 to Carl and Jean Harper and is an only child. Shirley is preceded in death by her parents Carl and Jean Harper and her loving husband of 40+ years, Richard H. Bailey.

Shirley was born just prior to the Great Depression. Her parents were cannery workers. They were very poor and at times did not have a home to live in and had to utilize their car for a roof over their head. The family lived in numerous cities to try and find work. They lived in San Francisco, Seattle, Sacramento and Thornton CA. to name a few. Shirley graduated from Galt High School in 1945. The family settled back to San Jose after her high school graduation.

Shirley and her husband, Richard enjoyed taking their two sons to Santa Cruz beach numerous times throughout the years. They also took their sons to nearby camping spots that always had a swimming pool.

Shirley and her husband, Richard settled in the east side foothills of San Jose in a house that they built in the late 1950's to early 1960's. It took them two years to complete. There they would remain until each of their passing, in their home that they enjoyed and built together.

Shirley worked at various jobs during her lifetime. Early on she worked as a bank teller in downtown San Jose and a secretary at Owens Corning Fiberglass. Shirley was a stay home mom for several years to care for her two sons up until their teen years. Once her sons were of teenage years, she worked in the school cafeteria lunch program, and she worked at Brandon House in early 1970's to late 1980's. There she met Anna in 1973, who was in need of the shelter that was provided at Brandon House. Shirley and Anna became lifelong friends since then. Anna was the daughter Shirley never had. From there a loving daughter-mother like relationship grew. Anna recalls Shirley always looked so glamorous and always dressed nice and her hair was done nicely. Shirley was very soft spoken and always thought of others first. Her favorite color was pink. Anna remained very close to Shirley up until her passing and what Shirley would always say "You're my girl".

Shirley is survived by her two sons, Craig and Roger Bailey. Daughter in-law, Rose Bailey. Two grandchildren, Sherri and Kristy. Four great-grandchildren: Jacob, Madelyn, Shayne and Thomas. Two great-great grandchildren: Izayah and Athena (deceased). She also has three step grandchildren: Alethea,Selene and Tony. Six step great-grandchildren: Brittney, Anthony, Kaitlin, Ignacio, Vanny and Gio. One step great-great-grand-daughter Jayden.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Judy Alquetra for the love and excellent caregiving she provided to Shirley for the past several years, and for the last difficult months prior to Shirley's passing. We love you and you are like a family to us. We would also like to thank Donna Lagmanfor the loving care given to Shirley during the past difficult months, we love you too. In addition, we would like to thank the Kaiser doctor's and nurse's, Dr. Yamashita and his team members, and all of the Kaiser Hospice team for the care and understanding provided to Shirley.

Services for Shirley Bailey will be held at Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Avenue, San Jose, Ca. 95125. Saturday, October 19, 2019 viewing will be from 12pm to 5pm. Services/Ceremony with family and friends will be from 5pm to 6pm in Room E. Anybody wanting to say something about Shirley or say special prayers please do so as there will be an opportunity during the ceremony. There will be no graveside services, placement in her final resting place will be the next week after the service. If anyone would like to send flowers for Shirley, please have them sent the day before her funeral services to the Oak Hill Funeral Home listed above.