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It’s been said that “it’s not how we give, but how much we put into giving.”

Judy Bailey was a giver and doer. Almost every day of her life was spent doing for others.

Judy was the wife of Doug Bailey and they lived in the Siam Community near her homeplace. She was the only daughter of Crawford and Gertrude Nave.

Judy was a quiet person with a friendly smile that spoke kindness. She and Doug had been married 59 years, and having no children, their lives were devoted to helping others. Judy had been with Meals on Wheels for 25 years, and Doug helped her much of the time. They made as many as 13 deliveries a week. Their area was spread out – from Long Hollow in Valley Forge to the Little Wilbur Community.

Doug said they made many friends during their time with Meals on Wheels and had many wonderful experiences.

Judy’s ministry didn’t start and stop with Meals on Wheels. She enjoyed knitting and would knit washcloths and bundle them into sets of three with a ribbon tied around them. Judy enjoyed giving the washcloths as gifts.

Judy was also a member of the Gideons Auxiliary and served as secretary at Calvary Baptist Church for 25 years. She attended Siam Baptist Church from the time she was in the cradle roll until her death on May 2 at the age of 78.

In addition to her full-time job at Calvary Baptist, Judy taught Sunday School for the third and fourth graders at Siam Baptist Church for many years and she and Sue Anderson were GA and Acteen Leaders for many years. Additionally, she sang in the church choir.

Doug noted that Judy devoted much of her time to church and church activities. “Church was a big part of her life,” he shared.

He also shared that Judy enjoyed cooking. “Her mother taught her well. Her favorite meal was Sunday dinner and she always cooked it,” he said.

While the couple attended Siam Baptist Church and was very involved in its ministry, Doug grew up in First Free Will Baptist Church. “When we married we decided Siam would be our home church, and I haven’t regretted that decision. We were blessed,” he said.

Judy enjoyed bus trips and cruises. “We went on several trips and cruises. We probably went on six or eight cruises and 10 or 12 bus trips. She especially liked the bus trip to New York City for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade,” Doug said.

Doug said Judy also enjoyed camping.

“I was blessed to have her as a wife, and for 59 years. She was a very giving person and a friend to many,” Doug said.

Judy was preceded in death by a brother, Sydney.

She was laid to rest in the Nave Cemetery, where her parents and many of her family members are buried.

Lauren Oliver in her book “Delirium” wrote: “’I guess that’s just part of loving people: You have to give things up. Sometimes you even have to give them up.” Giving up those we love is one of the hardest things we will ever do. But, those who knew and loved Judy Bailey will always have a place for her in their heart and memories.