Bailey Funeral Home

12/21/2025

To join the livestream of Carolyn's funeral service, please select the link below. The service broadcast will begin at 12:55 P.M. Tuesday, December 23, 2025. The service will be archived for 90 days from the date of service for future viewing.
https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2NjM1MTgwODM5MzgyMiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==

Carolyn Sue Kerley, age 81 years, a resident of Vienna, Illinois, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025, at 4:42 P.M. at the Southgate Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Metropolis, Illinois.

Carolyn was born August 24, 1944 in Pope County Illinois. She was the daughter of Elmer and Dottie E. (Tharp) Taber.

On June 29, 1962, Carolyn was united in marriage to Donald G. Kerley in West Vienna, Illinois. He preceded her in death on April 12, 2014.

Carolyn is survived by: her daughters – Sherri (Ty) Ross and Beth (Mark) Elliott all of Vienna, Illinois; grandchildren – Kassandra (Shane) Taylor, Cory (Gracie) Ross, Cady (Tyler) Morris, Kodee (his fiancé – Kenadee Halley) Ross, Kelsi Ingle, and Levi (Elyssa) Ingle; great grandchildren – Tenleigh Taylor, Beckett Taylor, Hattie Ross, and Hayden Morris; her siblings – Janice Shoemaker of Harrisburg, Illinois, Jack Taber of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Brenda (Larry) Hogg of Harrisburg, Illinois, Cindy (Paul) Obermark and Randy (Susan) Taber all of Metropolis, Illinois; a sister-in-law – Terry Taber Combee of Lakeland, Florida; her husband Donald’s siblings – Rillis Kerley, Roy (Ann) Kerley, Letha Breeden and Wilma Murphy; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Carolyn was preceded in death by 3 brothers – Robert Taber, Larry Taber, and Norris Taber; as well as a sister-in-law – Laura Taber.

In her youth, Carolyn was employed at the Simpson Post Office. She then attended cosmetology school in Harrisburg and operated “Carol’s Beauty Shop” from her home for a number of years.

Carolyn enjoyed a number of hobbies and past times, including – quilting, fishing, and raising flowers. She and Don also enjoyed traveling.

Funeral services will he held Tuesday afternoon, December 23, 2025, at 1 P.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Brother Les Chamberlain will officiate.

Interment will be in the Rock Springs Cemetery, near Simpson.

Visitation will be conducted Tuesday, December 23, 2025, from 11 A.M. until the funeral hour at 1 P.M. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Rock Springs Cemetery, c/o Roy Kerley, 8335 State Route 147, Simpson, Illinois 62985 or to Mercy Health Hospice, 225 Medical Center Drive, Suite 203, Paducah, Kentucky 42003.

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12/19/2025

Christy Michelle (McDonald) Nielsen, age 53, a resident of Vienna, Illinois, passed away Thursday afternoon, December 18, 2025, at 12:37 P.M. near the West Vienna community from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.
Christy was born February 2, 1972 in Aurora, Illinois. She was the daughter of Jerry Lee McDonald and Dorothy Ann (Ming) McDonald.
Christy is survived by: her mother and stepfather – Dorothy and Jim Crowe; her daughters – Isabella F. Nielsen and Emma E. Nielsen; her siblings – Karen (Keith) Fish, Rick (Leah) Crowe, Jeannie Kelley, Gerry (Tom) Loyd, and Jennifer McDonald; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many dear friends.
Christy was preceded in death by her father, Jerry Lee McDonald.
Christy was a member of the Vienna High School class of 1990.
She was a homemaker and had recently been employed as an aide and caregiver at Glen Brook in Vienna.
Christy enjoyed a number of hobbies, including - photography, flower gardening, feeding the hummingbirds from the many feeders she maintained during the summer, as well as enjoying ATV rides with friends. However, Christy always considered her daughters as her biggest hobby.
Christy was of the Christian faith.
Visitation will be held Monday, December 22, 2025, from 4 P.M. until 6 P.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. A prayer service, led by Christy’s brother-in-law, Tom Loyd, will conclude the time of visitation.
Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
To share a memory of Christy or to leave an online message of condolence for her family, please visit www.baileyfh.com

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12/19/2025

✨ Some chairs stay empty, but the memories never do. ✨
As we gather around our holiday tables, many of us feel the quiet ache of a loved one who is no longer seated beside us. While their chair may be empty, their stories, laughter, and love remain forever present in the hearts of those who remember.
At Bailey Funeral Home, we understand how tender this season can be. May you find comfort in the treasured memories that continue to fill the spaces left behind. 💛🕯️
If you or someone you love is navigating grief this holiday season, know that you are not alone. We’re here—today and always.

12/17/2025

📱💻🔊 Happy National Device Appreciation Day!
Today we’re taking a moment to recognize the tools that help us serve families with care, clarity, and connection.
At Bailey Funeral Home, technology plays a meaningful role in the work we do each day:
🖥️ Computers – From updating our website to keeping our page current, our computers help us share service details, community events, and resources for families when they need them most.
📲 Digital Fingerprint Scanner – This device allows us to securely and accurately collect digital fingerprints for permanent keepsakes and memorial items, giving families a lasting and personal way to remember their loved one.
🔊 Bluetooth Speakers – Whether it’s soft background music in our facilities or audio for a service, these little devices help us create a comforting atmosphere.
📱 Tablets for Livestreaming – For those unable to attend in person, our livestreaming tablets help ensure that friends and family near or far can still be present, honor, and remember.
Today we’re grateful for these devices—and for the way they help us continue serving families with compassion, convenience, and connection. 💙

12/15/2025

✨ National Wear Your Pearls Day ✨
Today we honor the quiet strength, grace, and resilience that pearls have symbolized for generations.
In many funeral homes, including ours, pearls hold a special meaning. 💕
They’ve long been a traditional accessory worn during times of mourning—chosen for their simplicity, elegance, and the sense of calm they bring. Pearls don’t overpower; instead, they reflect light gently, much like the soft memories we hold onto when someone we love is gone.
Whether worn as a necklace, a bracelet, or a cherished heirloom passed down through family, pearls remind us that beauty can come from pressure, and strength can form from life’s most challenging moments.
Today, on National Wear Your Pearls Day, we invite you to join us in celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the timeless traditions that bring families comfort. 🕊️
Wear your pearls for yourself, for someone you miss, or simply as a reminder of the grace found in remembrance.
Bailey Funeral Home
Honoring life with compassion, tradition, and care. 🕊️💗

12/14/2025

To join the livestream of Sue's funeral service, please select the link below. The service broadcast will commence at 12:55 P.M. Wednesday, December 17, 2025, and will be archived for 90 days for future...

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12/12/2025

✨ Employee Christmas Party Appreciation ✨

We recently gathered to celebrate the season with our annual employee Christmas party, and it was truly a wonderful evening filled with laughter, fellowship, and holiday cheer. 🎄❤️ It was a joy to see everyone relax, enjoy good food, and spend time together outside of our day-to-day responsibilities.

We are incredibly grateful for each member of our team. The compassion, dedication, and care our employees show to the families we serve every single day does not go unnoticed. You are the heart of Bailey Funeral Home, and we are thankful beyond words for all that you do.

From our family to our work family — thank you for making what we do meaningful. We wish all of our employees and their families a very Merry Christmas and a bright New Year ahead. 🌟🎁

12/12/2025

12/12/2025

🌺 National Poinsettia Day 🌺
Today we honor the timeless beauty of the poinsettia—a flower that has long held a place in holiday traditions and in expressions of sympathy. Its rich red color often symbolizes love, remembrance, and the warmth of cherished memories, making it a meaningful choice in many seasonal arrangements.
While poinsettias bring comfort and beauty, we also want to help spread an important reminder: poinsettias can be harmful to pets if ingested. Although not usually life-threatening, they can cause stomach upset or irritation in cats and dogs.
As you welcome these traditional blooms into your home or give them in remembrance of a loved one, please be mindful of keeping them safely out of reach of curious pets. 🐾❤️
From all of us at Bailey Funeral Home, may this season be filled with peace, comfort, and gentle reminders of those we hold close in our hearts. 🌹

12/11/2025

✨ Angel Memorial Ornaments Still Available ✨
If you were unable to attend our Service of Remembrance, you can still order one of our Angel Memorial Ornaments to honor someone dear to your heart. These beautiful keepsakes are available for $20 each and may be personalized with terms of endearment such as “Mom,” “Dad,” “Sis,” “MawMaw,” or any name or nickname that holds special meaning. These ornaments can be created for anyone you wish to remember — including beloved pets. 💙🐾
For families we had the honor of serving within the past year:
Your complimentary Angel Memorial Ornament is still available for pickup at your convenience.
Both purchased and complimentary ornaments may be picked up throughout the holiday season.
To place an order or arrange a pickup, please call 618-658-2311.
May these tokens bring comfort and serve as a gentle reminder of the love that continues to shine. 🕊️💙