Sarah Nichols Bailey

Sarah Nichols Bailey, age 96, of Prattville, Alabama, passed away peacefully on November 5, 2024 at her home. A private family service was held on Friday, November 15, 2024 with Brother Rick Moore officiating. Entombment was in Magnolia Chapel Mausoleum with Magnolia Chapel South directing.

Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, Mose and Mattie Nichols: three brothers O.T. Nichols, Willard Nichols and W.L. Pete Nichols; two sisters, Maudine Smitherman and Jennie Lee Nichols.

Survivors include her daughters, Melody Bailey Colvert (Ken Colvert) and Denise Bailey Brown (Scott Brown); sister, Nell Nichols Hudson (Hugh Hudson); grandchildren, Kristin Colvert Carroll (Ken Carroll), Emily Colvert Crenshaw (Will Crenshaw), Bailey Brown Nix (Justin Nix) and Griffin Brownlyn (Samantha Brownlyn); great-grandchildren Tripp and Sarah Kate Carroll, Grey and Carrigan Crenshaw.

Born in Marion, Alabama, Sarah was one of seven children, 3 boys and 4 girls. As a child, her family lived for a time in a home featured in Kathryn Tucker Windham's book, "13 Alabama Ghosts and Jeffrey". Sarah later asked her mother if she ever heard any strange noises, to which her Mother replied, "no, there were too many kids, we couldn't possibly hear a ghost". The family later moved to Maplesville, Alabama, where she met the love of her life, Swanson Bailey, in Junior High School. One year her senior, Swanson enlisted in the military at the age of 17 during WW II where he served in the Navy. Sarah continued to finish High School and the two corresponded through letters as much as possible. Just a few short months following the fulfillment of his military duty, the couple eloped to Mississippi where they wed and began a beautiful 76-year marriage. They established their home in Tuscaloosa where they went on to raise their two daughters, Melody and Denise. Shortly after settling in Tuscaloosa, Sarah accepted a position at First National Bank of Tuscaloosa where she went on to spend her entire career before retiring in 1987. 

Sarah loved community and building relationships. In the neighborhood where they raised their family, she loved and cherished her neighbors who were also her very best friends. When she and Swanson eventually retired and moved to Duncanville, she maintained those friendships for life. She was also very close to her sisters, Maude and Nell and her baby brother, Buddy and loved keeping up with their families. 

Sarah and Swanson eventually relocated to Prattville to be closer to their daughters. They found a church home at Fountain City Baptist Church where they were warmly welcomed and immediately developed new friendships. They also loved Gillespie Senior Center where they attended activities every week among friends they made there.

Over the last few years, as mobility became an issue, Traditions Hospice, particularly Karen, Barbara and Pastor Mike brought care to them. A compassionate team of caregivers made up of Annie, Barbara, Jackie and Joan watched over them day and night and attended to their needs. Special thanks to Linda, Camille and Jeffene and all the "neighborhood angels" that brought treats, supplies, love and companionship over the last few years. The family is eternally grateful for all the care and kindness shown to them.

Pallbearers were Griffin Brownlyn, Ken Carroll, Tripp Carroll and Justin Nix.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Fountain City Baptist Church, 492 East Main St., Prattville, AL 36067.