Wanda Merle Bailey, 79, of DeRidder, LA, passed from this life on Thursday, September 13, 2018.

She married her husband Marvin Ray Bailey in November of 1955, and had 63 glorious and wonderful years together. The great love of Mother’s life was her three children Paul, Pam and Tony. She loved each of her grandchildren, her great grandchildren and her great great-grandson. When she was in school, she loved to play basketball. She was always a great hand on the farm, raising and grinding corn, loading and hauling hundreds of square bales of hay, and was also involved in the raising of hogs, horses and Black Angus cattle. Mrs. Bailey was one of the best cooks in town and was made the chief cook on all of the Bear Head Marsh trail rides and Tri-Parish trail rides. She always made the best dumplings, fried chicken, smothered steak, hot tamales and biscuits. Mother knew a lot of people and was loved by everyone who knew her. She was the best grandmother anyone could ever ask for and was the best mother-in-law anyone could ever have. She followed the Lord and was baptized at Graybow Church.

Those left to cherish her memory are spouse, Marvin Ray Bailey of DeRidder, LA; son, Tony Bailey and Lela of Rosepine, LA; daughter, Pam B. Hooks and Duff of DeRidder, LA; daughter-in-law, Pamela F. Bailey of DeRidder, LA; grandchildren, Holley and Wilton Wisby, Landis and Heather Hooks, Reagan and Casey Johnson, Morgan Lynn Bailey, Colton Gage Bailey and Samantha Elizabeth Bailey; great grandchildren, ShiAnne Wisby, Michael Wisby, Cody Hooks, Elaina Wisby, Cy Johnson, Luke Wisby, Faith Johnson, Gage Hooks, Adri Johnson, Addie Hooks, Allison Jade Hooks; great great-grandson, Emmett Perkins and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and numerous close friends and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her son, M. Paul Bailey; granddaughter, Hope R. Bailey; grandson, Cody P. Bailey; parents, W. Homer and Zetta Goodwin; nephew, William A Goodwin; niece, Tina I. Goodwin; brother, Ellis A. Goodwin; father and mother-in-law, Elmer L. and Elizabeth G. Bailey.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2018 from 4:00-9:00 PM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA.  Visitation will continue on Sunday, September 16, 2018 from 12:00 noon – 2:00 PM with funeral services following at 2:00 PM, also, at Myers Colonial Funeral Home.  Brother Wayne Kite, Brother Frank Hensley, Brother Hershel Davis and Brother Zale Lewis will officiate the service.  Pallbearers will be Elton Jordan, Robert McCollough, Don Stuart, Melvin Bailey, Eric Ray, Victor Claussen, Ed Raiford, Raymond Barrington, Bruce Walker, Charlie Calcote.  Honorary Pallbearers will be Don Corkern, Bobby Gray, Jeremy Jordan, Ralph Stephens. Music will be presented by Jerry Day and Charlotte Hensley. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in DeRidder, LA.