Known to all as Jennie, the wife of a United Methodist Minister, she was a devoted and valuable helpmate and partner in her husband's ministry.  Over the years she grew to be a spiritual leader, mentor, and teacher in her own right for many generations across eleven of Grady's appointments throughout Northeast Mississippi, the Delta and Central Mississippi.  Virginia Lee Dunn "Jennie" Bailey, aged 85, died in her home in Brandon, Mississippi on April 11, 2026.

She was born in 1940, in Columbus, Georgia, to William Henry Dunn, Sr. and Lilian Myrtle Dunn (née Spivey) who welcomed her as their second child.  As one of the oldest of five siblings, Jennie helped to care for her younger sister and brothers while tending the family home. She attended Jordan Vocational High School, graduating in 1959.

Jennie met Grady S. Bailey Jr., the love of her life while working as a secretary at her home church, Hamp Stevens Methodist Church in Columbus, Ga.  Grady arrived as a seminarian from Atlanta in 1962 to serve as interim pastor for 8 weeks.  But it didn't take 8 weeks for them to know they found true love.  They were married at Hamp Stevens on August 4, 1963.

Grady and Jennie wasted little time starting their family of three sons who meant the world to both of them.  Grady S. Bailey III "Chip", Stephen Patrick Bailey "Pat", and Christopher Robin Bailey were born roughly three years apart.  Jennie spent the better part of 30 years chasing, managing, cajoling, and loving three rambunctious boys who were often referred to lovingly and in one breath as "ChipPatChris!" She cherished being a grandmother to four Baileys, Boston Patrick, Jacob Connor, Eliza Katherine, and Bennett Harrison.  She specialized in playtime, drawing, cookie-baking, and cuddling.

Jennie found deep fulfillment in her life as a preacher's wife. In addition, she served as church secretary at Iuka First UMC, Lewis Memorial in Calhoun City, Ellison Church in Vaughn, and at St. Lukes in Jackson.

She endeared herself to the congregations, towns, and communities where she served alongside her husband.  In this work together she enhanced and complimented his ministry.  Jennie had a special gift for engaging deeply with everyone she met. She was a renown conversationalist who remembered even the smallest of details of people's lives and the joys of congregants and their families.  As a lifelong learner and student of scripture, she became a leader and instructor for Sunday school classes, women's groups, and the Emmaus Community.  She was known for her keen insights, deep thought, and careful preparation.  She took immense joy in making connections with others.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Katherine Zimmerman, her brother John Scott Dunn and his wife Sheila Dunn.  She is survived by her husband, Grady S. Bailey, Jr.; her sons Grady "Chip" Bailey of Rochester, NY (Dan Watts), Pat Bailey of Houston, MS (Melinda), and Chris Bailey of Madison, MS (Katie); four grandchildren, Boston, Connor, Eliza Katherine, and Bennett; her siblings, twin brothers William Henry Dunn Jr (Susan)., and Billy Wade Dunn, and her sister Gloria Anne Bowling (Teddy); as well as many nieces and nephews, their spouses and great nieces and nephews.  Along with the family, Jennie leaves behind countless beloved friends, neighbors, Sunday school students, and church members.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, April 18, 2026 at St. Luke's United Methodist Church, 621 Duling Avenue, Jackson, MS.  Visitation at 1:30 p.m. in advance of a service at 3:00 p.m.

Private interment will be at Oregon Memorial Church, Lexington, MS

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jennie's memory can be made to the Memorial Fund at St Luke's United Methodist Church https://stlukesjackson.org/connect/donate