Barbara Anne French Bailey

Barbara Anne French Bailey, 88 of Bluefield, West Virginia, died November 23rd after fighting a long battle with cancer. She was surrounded by loved ones when she passed. Barbara (“Bobbi”or “Gay,” as she was called by her grandchildren) was born on July 8, 1934, to Marvin R. and Mabel Wright French in Pocahontas, Virginia. After graduating from Pocahontas High School in 1951, where she was an outstanding basketball player throughout her high school career. She went on to graduate from the University of Virginia School of Nursing in September of 1954. After graduation she came back to Bluefield and worked as an operating room nurse at Bluefield Sanitarium and Bluefield Regional Medical Center. Barbara excelled as a nurse and moved up quickly to Director of Surgical Services and was very instrumental in the planning and building of the operating suites at Bluefield Regional Medical Center. After retiring she was a nanny for the Tolliver boys, Cross and Case, whom she loved as if they were her own. Alisa Tolliver and Dr. David Tolliver always held a special place in her heart. She was very active for many years in her church, Trinity United Methodist Church singing in the choir and playing the handbells. She also was a proud member of the University School of Virginia Nursing Alumni. Barbara loved being involved in the community and especially her family. She loved watching her grandson, Brandon play for the Princeton Tigers, she loved following all of granddaughter Alexie’s cheer competitions and was always in the audience and supporter of granddaughters Jennie and Claire’s dance recitals and Nutcracker productions. She was a strong Bluefield Beaver football fan since her son has been a volunteer on the coaching staff for many years. Barbara was one of nine in her family, and with great pride was always held by her as all 8 graduated from Pocahontas High School and seven of the eight graduated from college. Barbara was predeceased by her sisters and brothers, Earl, Lucille, Paul, Marvin, Jr., Jack, Eugene, Jim and Norma. She was also predeceased by the father of her children, Jim Bailey. Those left to remember their mother are Jimmy Bailey (Cathy), Kimberly Croy (Brian), and Norma Jean Bailey. Grandchildren, Brandon Croy (Ashley), Alexie Croy, Jennie and Claire Bailey and great grandson, Axel Croy. Barbara had many talents from decorating packages to singing in public for most of her life. Her outstanding talent was being the matriarch of her family. She loved having contact with her many nieces and nephews. She tried to never to miss an important event in her families' lives, Barbara instilled in each of her children a sense of integrity and empathy and she was the rock on which they leaned, learned from and loved. Her strength and determination throughout her life was admired by all her family. In her game of life, she came out as the champion. A Celebration of her life will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church on December 17, 2022 at 12:00 pm, with the service at 1:00 pm. Everyone is invited. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Bluefield Union Mission.

Barbara Anne French Bailey

July 8, 1934 - November 23, 2022