Barbara Bailey

Barbara Bailey, 95, of Danville, Illinois continued her journey with the Lord on Friday, February 20, 2026.

Born on June 14, 1930, to Disa Jamison Maxwell and Raymond C. Maxwell, Barbara was a life-time resident of Danville. She grew up in South Danville where her family operated the Jamison Grocery Store and her grandparents founded the Southside Church of Christ.

Barbara was preceded in death by her husband, Donald R. Bailey and an infant daughter, Marsha. She is survived by her three daughters, Brenda (Manson) Fee, Patricia Bailey and Lisa (Dan) Nickle as well as seven grandchildren, Wesley Youhas, Lauren (Tristan) Glen, Taylor Nickle, Brittany (Chance) Parker, Kyle Riley, Colby Nickle and Bailey (Tom) Cooper and four great grandchildren. She is also survived by her step-daughter, Linda (John) Miller and her nephew, Mark (Suzanne) Smith.

Barbara was a 70-year member of Central Christian Church where she served as an Elder for many years as well as serving on the church board and in many of the church’s ministries. She was an active member of the Republican Women’s Party, Vermillion County Animal Shelter, Danville Business and Professional Women (where she was a past president) and Money Minders. She was a past President of Red Mask Theater and was instrumental in the launch of its children’s theater program.

In her early life, Barbara worked at a variety of jobs, but it was her 40 years with the Danville Election Commission that defined her working career. Starting part time, as an election clerk, Barbara ended her time with the Election Commission at age 92, retiring as a commissioner, overseeing the work of the department. Keenly committed to fair elections, Barbara was also a valued member in election oversight throughout the state of Illinois for many years. A tireless advocate for others, Barbara lobbied the state on behalf of retired firefighters and chaired scholarship committees for both Republican Women and Danville Business and Professional Women. Literacy for children was one of her passions.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville, Illinois, 3940 N Vermilion St. Danville, Illinois 61834. Reverend Keela Neumann will officiate. Deeply committed to her faith and family, Barbara will be laid to rest at Springhill Cemetery by her large and loving family. Visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 PM on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made in Barbara’s memory to the Vermilion County Animal Shelter.

Please join Barbara’s family in sharing memories, photos, and videos of her life through her tribute wall at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com .