Virginia Lanell Bailey, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and lifelong caregiver, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the age of 89. She was born in Austin, Texas, on April 20, 1936, to Wiley Augustus Bownds and Grace Casey Bownds.

Lanell was the youngest of twelve children in a family of six boys and six girls. She grew up in Levelland and graduated from Levelland High School in 1954. She later moved to San Angelo to continue her education, attending San Angelo Junior College before entering Shannon School of Nursing, where she graduated in 1957. Nursing became not just her profession but her purpose. When someone recently asked her what she loved most about nursing, she didn't hesitate. She simply said, "Taking care of others."

Lanell married Tom Bailey in 1959. Lanell and Tom eventually settled in Granbury, where she lived for 47 years. During that time, she worked in long-term care facilities as an Assistant Director of Nursing, offering compassion, patience, and steady hands to those who needed it most. Lanell, Nell, Nellie were names she answered to, but Mom was her favorite. She devoted her life to caring for the people she loved. She tended to her aging parents, supported her many siblings, and poured her heart into raising her daughters, Karla Grace Marlow and Suzanne Kay Parker, son-in-law Kent Parker. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tom Bailey, and her daughter, Karla Grace Marlow. She treasured her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Michael Marlow, wife Amanda. Russell Marlow, wife Diane. Shannon Thomas. Her great-grandchildren: Kellie Marlow, Brayton Marlow, Hayden Marlow, Kinley Marlow, Bailey Marlow, Colson Marlow, Cooper Thomas, and Kaselyn Thomas.

She loved music, especially gospel hymns, which brought her comfort and joy throughout her life. Lanell believed in treating others with kindness, and she lived that belief every single day. Her legacy is one of gentleness, dedication, and quiet strength. "Her love was steady and deep, and she never stopped believing in her family."

Graveside services will be held at Acton Cemetery. Condolences may be offered online at www.nowlinandersfh.com.