Mrs. Doris Earlene Bailey

As the daughter of a minister, Doris was blessed with the opportunity to live in several different communities throughout her childhood. No matter where life took her, she had a gift for making lasting friendships, a reflection of the warm, welcoming spirit that would become one of her defining qualities. She graduated from Moberly High School in 1961.

On November 3, 1961, Doris married the love of her life, Larry "Pete" Bailey, in Higbee, Missouri. Together they built a beautiful life and were blessed with three daughters: Tammy, Nancy, and Susan.

Doris devoted many years of service to Central Bank, beginning her career in Moberly before transferring to Jefferson City and later Columbia, where she worked in the Trust Department.

A faithful member of Eastside Church of Christ, Doris cherished her church family and especially enjoyed Bible study. She found much joy in quilting and sewing, creating treasured gifts that reflected the love she poured into everything she did.

Above all else, Doris's greatest joy was her family. Affectionately known as "Mama" by her grandchildren, she rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on. Whether it meant traveling across Missouri or even out of state for Junior Olympic competitions, Doris was always in the stands, proudly supporting the people she loved.

Doris also expressed her love through her kitchen. She was an exceptional cook whose family will forever miss her delicious meals, especially her famous twice-baked potatoes and the special milkshakes she lovingly made for her grandchildren. Her home was always open, and she delighted in gathering family around her table. Sunday dinners became a cherished tradition, and while she never knew exactly how many people might show up, she was always prepared with plenty of food and an open heart. Her remarkable hospitality made everyone who entered her home feel like family.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, Larry "Pete" Bailey of Columbia; her daughters, Tammy (Don) Puett of Columbia, Nancy (Gary) Morton of Columbia, and Susan (Jarrod) Borland of Butler; eight grandchildren, Joe (Amber) Walters, Eryn Puett, Michael Snyder, Nathan Snyder, Zach (Michelle) Borland, Kyle (Latice) Borland, Andy (Shiphra) Borland, and Allie Borland; eleven great-grandchildren; along with other beloved relatives and many dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Ronald Lewis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Doris's honor may be made to the American Cancer Society or Hospice Compassus.

Family and friends are invited to share words of comfort and support during the visitation on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral services celebrating Doris's life will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. in the Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. Committal prayers and burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Grand Prairie Cemetery in Cairo, Missouri.