Annie Lillian Bailey

Graveside Service of Memory and life Celebration is slated for Friday, July 1, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. in Elmwood Memorial Gardens, 11313 US Highway 11, York, Alabama; with Minister Erek Yarbrough delivering the eulogy offering words of comfort and consolation. Visitation for family and friends is scheduled Thursday evening (June 30th) from 3-6:00 p.m. in the Weatherly Chapel. — The eldest girl of Velma and Jimmy Lee Yarbrough's 11 children, Annie Lillian Yarbrough Bailey, affectionately called "Lil," became the matriarch of not only her close and extended family, but to countless others over the course of her life. Born on October 10, 1943 in what is now Gainesville, Alabama, Ann always rose to the occasion of what was needed of her from an early age. However, itching to see a world beyond Sumter County, she left home at 18. She would eventually live in states from coast-to-coast, but she first landed in Boston, where she would marry and begin a family of her own. Ann had four kids, of whom she was a loving and devoted mother. Later in life would come two granddaughters, who the mere mention of was the quickest way to get a smile. Ann's strong spirit and resolve was on display her entire life as she consistently defied the odds, particularly later in life when unfair hands were dealt her way health-wise. It could be said that the only battle she didn't win is the one no one wins. Ann's earthly life came to a peaceful and dignified end on June 26, 2022. And true to her, it was on her timetable. Though Ann faced hardships throughout her life, she also made room for joy. Some of the things she loved were casino visits, good coffee, and the "red birds" that came to greet her in the mornings. She enjoyed B.B. King, Sam Cooke, and soul music classics like "Love and Happiness" and "My Girl." Hearing her laugh at movies like Friday or a TV show like The Munsters wasn't uncommon. While Ann's wit and steadying presence is already missed, it can give those left behind comfort to know that Ann was more than likely welcomed to her eternal life by those she had mourned for so long. Those people included her mother and father; two sisters: Mary L. Johnson and Hanna Yarbrough; six brothers: Jimmy Lee "C" Yarbrough Jr., John Yarbrough, S.L. Yarbrough, Archie Yarbrough, Benjamin "Rob" Brown, and Kenneth "Kenny" Yarbrough; along with a number of other family members and friends. Ann leaves to cherish her memories three daughters: Tuesday Bailey and Renee Bailey, both of Sandy Springs, Ga., and April Hubbard (Tod) of Alpharetta, Ga.; one son: Steve Bailey (Kanika) of Mableton, Ga.; two granddaughters: Hailey Hubbard and Ashley Hubbard; one sister: Velma Stephens of Helena, Ala.; two brothers: Ellis "Ed" Yarbrough and Lieutenant Yarbrough (Sandra), both of Gainesville, Ala.; and one sister-in-law: Cynthia Yarbrough of Detroit, Mich.; along with many additional relatives and friends.