Shirley Anne (Rippy) Bailey

Shirley Anne Rippy Bailey, born March 1, 1943 in Durham Co., NC to the late Carl Herman & Mary Elizabeth Farrell Rippy, passed away peacefully Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at her home with her loving family by her side, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and meticulous care for her family. Shirley was the devoted wife of Roy Phil Bailey for 63 years, cherishing every moment by his side—especially their many cruises together in their prized ’57 Chevy, reliving their youth to the music of the '50s with each drive.

Shirley found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved fishing on the North Carolina coast and the eastern shore of Virginia, never tiring of the thrill of the catch. Whether camping with friends and family, reading a good book, playing cards with dear friends, or traveling to Denton for Bluegrass music festivals or visiting Pigeon Forge, she embraced every opportunity to connect with the people and activities she cherished most.

As a loyal Duke Blue Devil fan, Shirley held season tickets since the early 1980s and cheered passionately for both basketball and football. Her unwavering spirit and dedication extended to her professional life—after over 40 years of service at Duke Hospital, Shirley retired, having touched countless lives with her kindness and attention to detail. She also received all her medical care at Duke and deeply appreciated her amazing PCP, Dr. Daniella Zipkin. As a faithful member of Bethany Baptist Church, Shirley found joy in community and comfort in her faith.

She crafted perfect Easter baskets, sewed beautiful dresses for her daughters, and created Christmas mornings brimming with Santa’s magic. Her legendary peach cobbler and homemade peach ice cream were the centerpiece of many family gatherings.

Above all else, Shirley was a devoted mother to her daughters, Robin Bailey Landers (Terry), Kimberly Bailey Sugg (Lynn), and Laura Bailey Brogan (Tom), who carry on her traditions and her spirit of selfless love. Known as “MeMa” to her beloved grandchildren—Jessica Landers, Jamie Landers (Emily), Meredith Cader (Ian), Bailey Sugg (Shelby), and Brady Brogan—as well as her treasured great-grandchildren, Walker and Maggie Cader, Shirley filled her family’s world with warmth. She is also survived by her brother, Daniel Lloyd Rippy; her sister, Sandra Rippy Efland; her sister-in-law, Ruby Rippy, and her extended family and many dear friends.

In addition to her parents, Shirley was preceded in death by her youngest brother, Billy Rippy; and her sister-in-law, Barbara Rippy.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 8, 2025 in the Strickland and Jones Funeral Services Chapel with the Rev. Joe Glenn officiating.  Interment will follow in the Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery.  The family will receive friends and guests from 1:00 till 2:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home and other times at the home.

Pallbearers will be Mike Blalock, Bernard Day, Barry Farrell, Danny Hunt, Jackie Ray, and Lenny Weaver.

Shirley’s unfailing love, attention to detail, and the memories she created will forever be cherished by all who knew her.

Loved ones are grateful for the compassionate and wonderful care of Andrea, Janice, and Amedisys Hospice Care of Franklinton, North Carolina. In particular we would like to thank Wendy, Kristin, Robin, and Hazel. Their care, kindness and support is immeasurable and we will be forever grateful. 

Flowers are acceptable or memorial donations in Shirley’s memory may be made to Amedisys Hospice, 3320 US Hwy. 1, Suite B, Franklinton, NC 27525 honoring the compassionate care she valued so greatly.  https://www.amedisys.com/services/hospice-care/donations/

Arrangements are by Strickland and Jones Memorial Funeral Services, 1810 Durham Road, Roxboro, NC 27573. Online condolences may be made at stricklandandjonesfs.com.

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