Reba Bailey

Reba Bailey, beloved wife, mother, daughter, aunt, sister, GG, and friend, left her family on Earth and went home to her Father in Heaven on July 31, 2026.

Memorial services will be at 2:30 P.M., Thursday, August 6th, in Boxwell Brothers Ivy Chapel, 2800 Paramount Blvd, with Jeff Booth officiating.

Reba was born on August 10, 1928, to Emory Earl Fisher and Alpha Belle Evans in Tyrone, Oklahoma. Reba graduated from Davenport High School in 1946. She held a variety of jobs throughout her life, but her greatest calling was raising her girls and serving her church.

She is survived by her daughters, Vickie Merrill (Tim Merrill), Valarie Olson (Joel Olson), and Regina OQuin; Granddaughter Jennifer Merrill Vinyard (Justin Kite);

Great-Grandchildren Philip Vinyard III, Ashlyn Vinyard, Ava Merrill, Sydney Vinyard, and Gavin Merrill; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members

Reba was the seventh of eleven children and spent her childhood helping her family on the farm. Headstrong, spunky, and (a little) stubborn, she remained committed to her education despite her responsibilities at home, as graduating was deeply important to her. She married her first husband, Ralph Black, in 1947, and together they had two beautiful girls. When Ralph grew ill and was called home to Heaven, Reba assumed sole responsibility for maintaining a home and raising her girls. In the face of immense grief, Reba remained an excellent and loving mother while providing a livelihood for her daughters, a true testament to her strength and resilience. She sewed drapes and curtains, drafted and created house plans, and continuously served her church.

In 1972, Reba married James Bailey. Together they built a strong marriage with love and laughter and placed God at the center. Through 53 years of marriage, they shared countless memories, conversations, laughs, and experiences. The pair loved to go on cruises, snow ski, and travel. They were truly the best of friends and found great joy in growing old together. One could not holistically describe Reba without mentioning her faith. Reba was a devout Christian who loved speaking about Jesus with anyone who crossed her path. She wanted to make sure that those around her knew Jesus and had a relationship with him. When her eyesight failed her, she had her family read the Bible for her, and she listened to their hardships and offered her wisdom. She had a true servant's heart, was dedicated to caring for others, and was steadfast in her values.

There aren't enough words to accurately describe the woman that Reba Bailey was. She was spicy, spunky, and sassy, but also gentle, selfless, and compassionate. She was a fun grandma and GG who thoroughly enjoyed spending intentional time with each of her grandkids. Reba was a fantastic listener, wise, made the best fried chicken, and was never afraid to speak her mind. Her faith never wavered, and Reba was deliberate about fulfilling the purpose God had given her. She built positive relationships with everyone around her and touched countless hearts, souls, and lives. She was soulful and colorful, intelligent and beautiful, and will be deeply and immensely missed by many. Reba was exactly 97 and 355 days old.

The family extends gratitude to the caring, devoted, and thoughtful individuals at Kinder Hearts Hospice and Ruby Slippers Home Care. Reba’s final days were made comfortable and peaceful because of their compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to her care. Their kindness brought comfort not only to Reba, but also to her loved ones, and Reba held a special appreciation for the wonderful people who cared for her.

Reba is preceded in death by her parents, Emory Earl Fisher and Alpha Belle Evans; her husbands, Ralph Black and James Bailey; Her Grandson, Justin Merrill; and ten siblings.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to Samaritan's Purse.