BARBARA M. BAILEY

Barbara M. Bailey 81, of Lompoc passed away at her home on Friday June 14, 2013. Barbara was born On September 20, 1931 in Modesto, CA Her family lived in Stockton, California until she relocated to Lompoc in 1975 with her husband of 59 years Ray Bailey who passed away in 2005.
Barbara was well known to her family and friends as an artist. She loved to paint in all mediums, but mostly acrylic. She was an accomplished amateur seamstress, often sewing clothes for family members including wedding dresses for some of them. She loved to bake and decorate cakes, and made the wedding cakes for several of her friends and family members for their special day. She was especially proud of her job as an In Home Nutritional Instructor through the California State University system. Barbara was also well loved by her "other family" at the Lompoc Police Department. During their training period, many of the officers visited her house for lunch and special occasions with her sons. She would often sew on uniform patches for the officers at the department as well as for her two sons, daughter in law, and two grandsons who all worked for the Lompoc Police Department.
She is preceded in death by her mother and father William and Irene Sherburn, and her brother Bob Sherburn and sister Marge Blunt all of Modesto, CA. Barbara is survived by her sister Pat Gilreath of Oklahoma, and her brother Dan Sherburn of California. She is also survived by her children Teresa Newton of Stockton, CA, and Steve Bailey, Jon Bailey, Joe Bailey, and Tina White all of Lompoc. She is affectionately known as "Granny" by nearly everyone who knew her, but especially by her 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
Later in her life, Barbara contracted Macular Degeneration which gradually began to take away her sight. Despite this challenge, she insisted on doing her own housework, shopping and loved to do her own gardening. She won a City of Lompoc Beautification award for refurbishing the exterior of her home and for her garden.
At her request, no memorial service will be held. The family has gathered for a private viewing and to celebrate her life at her home in her traditional fashion of family, friends and food. Final arrangements are under the direction of Starbuck-Lind Mortuary. In lieu of flowers you may make a memorial donation to the Lompoc Police Activities League (PAL).