Frances Virginia Bailey

Frances Virginia (Feagin) Bailey, 88, of Tampa, Florida, passed away peacefully on April 21, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Born on July 22, 1937, in Eagle Lake, Florida, Frances lived a life marked by resilience, generosity, and a distinctive blend of grace and grit. She embodied both the elegance of Old Hollywood and the steadfast spirit of Old Florida, meeting every chapter of her life with courage, humor, and unwavering devotion to those she loved.

Raised in Tampa’s Hyde Park neighborhood, Frances was known from an early age for her intelligence, curiosity, and lively conversation. As a young woman, she was admired for her beauty, grace, and adventurous spirit. Known for antics like sneaking into the drive in by hiding in the trunk of her best friend’s car, appearing as Plant High School’s Miss December calendar girl and gracing a throne in Tampa’s historic Gasparilla Parade. Though invited to pursue modeling in New York, she chose instead to devote her life to family and service.

As the wife of a Navy pilot, she spent 18 years moving across the country and abroad, creating a loving home wherever she went and raising her children with creativity, curiosity, and intention. Later she founded “Aunt Frannie’s Child Care,” as a beloved home daycare and grew it into a thriving business that nurtured hundreds of children. Many of them, now adults, continue to consider her family.

Frances was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth R. Bailey III, who passed away on January 13, 1984. She is survived by her daughters, Marcia Masi, Mary Grace Romo, Alicia Bailey; grandchildren, Jonathan Jeerapaet, Jessica Creel; son-in-law, Romulo Romo; granddaughter-in-law, Amy Oh. She is also survived by the many individuals she welcomed into her life and heart as family and her beloved canine companion, Finn.

Frances will be remembered for her strength, her kindness, her humor, and her unwavering love. She will be deeply missed.

She will be laid to rest beside her parents and son at Myrtle Hill Memorial Park attended by family. A memorial service for those wishing to honor her will be held 1-4 p.m. Sunday, April 26, 2026 at her home, 714 Tradewinds Drive, Brandon Florida, 33511. Flowers may be sent to Stowers Funeral Home, 401 West Brandon Boulevard, Brandon Florida, 33511 or her home address.