Marion Stevenson Bailey

Marion Stevenson Bailey (Jan 22, 1928 – July 19, 2018)
Huntersville, NC

2 Timothy 4:7. I have fought a good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.

Marion was born, as she liked to say "outside of the states", in the District of Columbia in 1928. She was 1 of 9 children. She will be remembered for her special way of doing things, courage, determination, impeccable hair and house, bright red lipstick, fascinating life stories, and especially her love for children.

She is survived by one daughter - Elizabeth Shaw and husband Todd, two grandchildren - Sarah and Ryan Shaw, one sister – Elizabeth (Bette) Stevenson Moore, one brother - Chester Stevenson, a special cousin-in-law - Virginia Bailey, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years Donald Bailey, 1 sister - Harriette Lesueur, 5 brothers - John Stevenson, Robert Stevenson, Richard Stevenson, William Wood, Alton Wood, and a special cousin-in-law – Elizabeth (Libby) Bailey Smith. I can imagine a joyous reunion with lots of laughs, food, and perhaps Don playing a practical joke or two.

Despite becoming legally blind 35 years ago and widowed 23 years ago, Marion was determined to live independently and did so until she was 88 years old. She continued to manage her own affairs, keep a small garden, and cook fresh, healthy meals. She even made homemade Christmas cookies for gifts until she was 88. She especially enjoyed when she had the opportunity to cook a meal for family, neighbors, or someone doing work around her condo. Many did not realize the extent of her visual impairment as she was so determined to continue to do those things she loved.

Marion and Don lived a fascinating life and moved a number of times during Don's 20 years of service in the Marine Corp. Marion loved to tell stories of their adventures. She also liked to tell stories of growing up in a large family. She was a great storyteller with most of the stories creating some good laughs.

She and Don loved young people and they gave them such joy. Early in their married life, they served as foster parents for several children and spent Christmas Eve many years playing Santa for needy children. They would often include nieces or cousins in their vacation plans or have them spend the summer with them.  She babysat in some cases several generations of children.  After 20 years of marriage, Marion and Don adopted Elizabeth and were thrilled to become parents. Through the years, there were several children where she loved to practice being a grandmother. The ultimate thrill was when she became a grandmother. She loved her "precious grandchildren" Sarah and Ryan dearly.  In her final days, she loved talking to her caregivers who were new parents or about to become first time parents. She had a special visit from a newborn on her final day.

She was fortunate to be surrounded by a fantastic village throughout the years. We are forever grateful for these people and organizations that made a huge impact on making her life better....Sara Furr, Julie and Doug Macmillan, Hope Cancer Ministries, Metrolina Association for the Blind, Hospice of Lake Norman, the staff at Hunter Village, and many other people who were present in her life at just the right time.

A private graveside service was held at Antioch United Methodist Church, Easley, SC and a celebration of her life will be held in Charlotte, NC, the weekend of Aug. 4th.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Lake Norman, 705 Griffith Street, Ste 203, Davidson, NC, 28036.

Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com