Ellen Virginia Rhyne Bailey

Born on March 27, 1937, in Swainsboro, Georgia, Ellen was the only child of Madie Brinson Rhyne and John Allen Rhyne. A gifted student from an early age, she graduated as Valedictorian of Emanuel County High School in 1954 and earned a scholarship to Morris Brown College, where she graduated Cum Laude in 1958. While at Morris Brown, she pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and served as President of the Women's Dormitory Council. She later earned a Master's Degree in Public Health from Southwest Texas State University and remained an active member of the Austin Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta throughout her life.

On August 10, 1958, Ellen married Paul Lawrence Bailey Sr. in Swainsboro, Georgia. They began their married life in New Orleans, Louisiana, before settling in Austin, Texas, where they enjoyed 67 wonderful years of marriage while building a family rooted in faith, love, and unwavering support.

Ellen dedicated 40 years to Brackenridge Hospital, where she began her career as a Medical Technologist and retired as Laboratory Manager. A proud breast cancer survivor, she faced life's challenges with remarkable strength, grace, and unwavering Faith.

Ellen embraced life with enthusiasm. She and Paul helped establish the Friday Night Jets Bowling League and enjoyed many years of friendly competition. She won the Austin City Bowling Championship in 1978 and 1980, was an avid Bridge player who played four times each week, and faithfully cheered for the Dallas Cowboys, Texas A&M Aggies, and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

A longtime member of Wesley United Methodist Church, Ellen later embraced the Catholic faith, faithfully serving as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. She prayed the Rosary daily and generously supported Catholic Charities, living her faith through service to others.

Ellen's love was most often felt in the little things. A wonderful cook, she delighted her family with pound cake, homemade cookies, her son-in-law David's favorite chocolate cake, fried chicken, giblet gravy, greens, peach cobbler, and her unforgettable sweet potato pies. Cooking was one of the many ways she expressed her love. She also cherished family vacations, creating treasured memories filled with laughter, adventure, and togetherness.

A lifelong learner and avid reader, Ellen possessed a brilliant mind and endless curiosity. She welcomed everyone with kindness, encouraged each person to be themselves, and had a remarkable ability to see the best in others. Her wisdom, generosity, and unwavering belief in her family inspired generations.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Madie Brinson Rhyne and John Allen Rhyne, and her cherished Aunt Jeffery, whose love and influence held a special place in her heart throughout her life.

She is survived by her husband, Paul Lawrence Bailey Sr.; her children, Marcia Renee Bailey; Paul Lawrence Bailey Jr.; and Marie Renette Schmidtke and her husband, David Schmidtke; her grandchildren, Jensen Roberts and his wife, Vanessa; Stephen

Roberts and his wife, Kristin; Chelsi Wade; Joshua Schmidtke; and Isaiah Schmidtke; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Sadie, Lincoln, Kalli, and Sterling.

Ellen's life was a beautiful testament to faith, compassion, generosity, and unconditional love.

Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on through her

family, her friends, and all whose lives she touched. Her warm smile, comforting hugs, and steadfast faith will forever remain in our hearts. We rejoice knowing she is now at peace in the loving embrace of our Lord.

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant!'" — Matthew 25:23

Visitation will be held at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home, 14501 North Ih-35, Pflugerville, TX 78660, US, on August 6, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Rosary will be held at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, 1520 N Railroad Ave, Pflugerville, TX 78660, on August 7, 2026, from 09:30 am to 10:00 am.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Catholic Church, 1520 N Railroad Ave, Pflugerville, TX 78660, on August 7, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

Commital will be held at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home & Cemetery, 14501 North IH-35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660, on August 7, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.