Janet Ann Bailey

Janet Ann Bailey, affectionately known as Jan, age 85, of Harrisonburg, passed away May 12, 2024 at Bellaire at Stoneport in Harrisonburg after a courageous battle with Alzheimer's. Born August 12, 1938 in Bakersfield, California, Jan was the last surviving sibling of five children (Bette, Nancy, George, Jan and Ellen) born to the late Hall and Pauline Felt. She graduated from St. Francis de Sales School in 1956 and went on to attend the University of California at Riverside, graduating in 1960. Later that year, she married Leon Franklin Bailey, who survives. They began their 63 year marriage stationed in Italy during Leon's deployment. Jan always enjoyed reminiscing about their time overseas. Upon returning to the U.S. they lived in California with their three young children before accepting a job transfer to Virginia, where they have resided ever since. Jan always had a love for plants and nature and she and Leon enjoyed owning and operating Harrisonburg Garden Center and The Gazebo from 1975-1991. Jan went back to school in the 1990's to get her teaching credential and spent the next 14 years teaching third grade at South River Elementary in Rockingham County. She loved her teaching career and she proudly shared many stories of her time with her students. She was also a very talented sketch artist and her family members are honored to display some of her artwork in their homes. Jan loved spending time outside watching the wildlife and spent many a weekend afternoon going for rides with Leon in their restored 1928 Chevy. In addition to her husband, Jan is survived by her daughter, Cindi (Bob) Smead; son, Andrew (Michelle) Bailey; as well as her grandchildren, Sarah (Jordan) Cassell, Matthew (Christina) Smead and Joshua (Carly) Smead, and many great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents and siblings, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Rebecca Lee Bailey. Family will receive friends for a Remembrance Service from 3:30-5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 25, 2024 in the Bridgewater Room at Bellaire at Stoneport in Harrisonburg. Internment will be private. An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com Compassionate Cremation Service of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements.

Janet Ann Bailey

August 12, 1938 - May 12, 2024