Mrs. Linda Bailey Ford, 74, of Woodbury passed away on March 30, 2021. She was born at her home in Woodbury, TN on March 11, 1947. Preceding her in death were her parents, James Truit and Lucille Merriman Bailey, her husband, W T Ford, and her brothers, Roy Bailey, Russell Bailey, and Jimmy Bailey. She is survived by her son Jamie (Angela) Ford of Woodbury, grandchildren, Cassie Ford and Tyler Ford of Woodbury, and great granddaughter, Paisley Ford.
Mrs. Linda possessed a mothering spirit. The oldest child, she helped raise her three younger brothers. Even though, she did dress Russell up as a girl because she wanted a sister. Besides helping care for her brothers, she later got a job working at the Shirt Factory in Liberty. Once Jamie was born, she left work to become a homemaker. From her brothers to her great granddaughter, she raised many different children throughout her life. She was a babysitter for other families, and her granddaughter, Paisley, was her pride and joy. They slept beside one another for 3 years.
Spending time with family was important to Mrs. Linda, and they all went on a family trip to Gatlinburg every year. On one of their last trips, she got the opportunity to see a bear up close with it foraging just across the road from them. She enjoyed the cabins up in the mountains and talked about her desire to live in one. Also, an Elvis fan, she always wanted to go to Graceland. From her Elvis themed pocketbook to her handbag, she had hints of his memorabilia throughout her day-to-day life. She was the last of her generation in her family, and her influence and perspective on life will surely be missed.
Visitation will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Thursday, April 1, 2021 from 4-8 pm. Funeral services will be Friday, April 2, 2021 at 1 pm in the Smith Funeral Home chapel. Tim Gentry will officiate. Interment will be in Goodridge Cemetery. Share memories and condolences at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337