Avenel H. Bailey

Avenel Harriet Bailey was called home by Jesus at her Oregon home on June 9, 2025. She was 89.

She was born September 16, 1935, In Oregon, MO. She had a lifelong passion for classical music, including instrumental and vocal performance and education. She was an incredibly loving mother, teacher, mentor and friend, and a passionate gardener.

In 2023 she was recognized at the 103rd Annual South Holt Alumni Banquet as the only surviving member of the Class of 1953. After graduating from Oregon High School, she followed the family tradition and enrolled in their beloved Alma Mater, the University of Missouri at Columbia. After earning her undergraduate degree in music education, she taught music in the public schools and was a band director in Cameron, MO, before returning to her beloved Mizzou to earn her Master’s Degree in Voice.

She had the opportunity to perform in several operas during this time, honing her skills as a marvelous soprano. Following her master’s degree, she remained at Mizzou to teach Music History and Literature to hundreds of undergraduate students, including her future husband, Richard McLean Bailey. They married in June 1964 at the Oregon United Methodist Church. They later welcomed two children, Julie Nelle Bailey and William Arthur Bailey, in 1967 and 1969, and the family moved to Seattle in 1980.

Avenel retired to Oregon in 2006. In retirement she enjoyed gardening and tending to her house, keeping in touch with a wonderful group of past students and coworkers; and being close again to her large group of extended family in Holt County. She also loved being an active member of the Oregon United Methodist Church and Choir. She practiced every Thursday and performed on Sundays, with her last performance being the Easter Cantata on Palm Sunday 2025.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard McLean Bailey; her parents, Ruby Nelle and Reed Bailey; her sister, Ellamelia Wood; and brothers Kermit and Robert Bailey. She is survived by her daughter Julie and son Wil; grandchildren Ryan Gualandri and Wilson and Autumn Bailey; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

A private Celebration of Life is set for July 12, 2025 at the Oregon United Methodist Church.