Wanda Lou (Smith) Bailey, age 91, of Russellville passed away peacefully at home, in the presence of her family on Saturday, September 16, 2023.  She was born January 26, 1932, in Russellville to Horace Clyde and Norma Melinda Rachel Smith.

Wanda grew up in the Pleasant View community. She graduated from Russellville High School in 1949 and attended Harding University for one year before transferring to Arkansas Tech University where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Education. Wanda taught 1st grade in the Russellville School District for 30 years, teaching at Washington, Dwight, and Crawford elementary schools. She was member of Westside Church of Christ.

Wanda will be remembered by her family as a devout Christian, dedicated grandmother, and for her generous persona. When she wasn't doting on her family she was digging in the dirt.  Wanda loved gardening and landscaping.  She planted hundreds of jonquil bulbs along her driveway to be enjoyed by future generations. These beautiful flowers will serve as a living reminder of her love and generosity each spring.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Paul Bailey; her parents; all of her siblings and their spouses and the siblings and spouses of her husband.

Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Douglas (Kristin) Bailey of Russellville: two daughters, Paula Bailey Nelson of Pottsville, and Pattie Bailey Hausmann of Russellville, AR.  Four grandchildren: Stephen (Brooklyn) Bailey of Russellville, Selby (Alec) Yates, of Chattanooga, TN, Libby Bailey of Russellville and Richard Hausmann of Russellville and two great-granddaughters, Avery von Bueren Bailey and Emery Bailey of Russellville.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, September 19, 2023, in Bailey Cemetery with Mr. Dan Lightfoot officiating and under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

Honorary pallbearers will be her nephews, David Bailey, Terry Bailey, Mickey Bailey, Don Bailey, Jerry Bailey, Bob Metz, Gary Sheppard, Rick Sheppard, Randy Price, Rick Woods, Greg Woods and Jeff Woods.

The family would like to thank the staff of Stonebridge Assisted Living for their love and care for Wanda the last year and a half; Gentiva Hospice aids and nursing staff, especially Wanda's RN, Haile, who cared for Wanda and treated her with dignity and respect until the end; Home Instead caretakers, Linda and Angie, who provided constant care to Wanda during her final days.

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.