Jolene Whitehead

Jolene Bailey Whitehead passed away unexpectedly January 22, 2012. She was a lifelong resident of Johnson City, TN. She was a graduate of Science Hill High School and a Certified Nursing Assistant. She spent most of her life as a stay at home mother raising her two sons, whom she cherished. In recent years, she worked as a private duty caregiver. Jolene was a woman of strong Christian faith, who lived her life caring for others. Being the eldest child in the family of 6, she was a second mother to her brothers and sisters. She is the one in the family who arranged family gatherings and was a wonderful cook. She welcomed guests to the meals that she prepared with open arms and a big smile. She was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need and gave without asking for anything in return. Her love for mankind and her family was never ending. She was referred to by her mother as the backbone of her family. She was loved and will be sorely missed by her family and friends to whom she gave so freely of herself. Jolene loved children, especially her grandson, Mason Whitehead, who was the joy of her life and a true Blessing to her. Jolene was preceded in death by her father, Joeseph Bailey and brother, Gary Bailey. Survivors include her husband of 38 years, Joel Whitehead; her children, Chuck Whitehead of the home, Chris Whitehead and wife Melissa; one grandchild, Mason Whitehead and her mother Zola Bailey. She is also survived by her brothers, John and wife Dana of Jonesborough, Michael Bailey and wife Kay of Johnson City and Norman Bailey of Johnson City; sister Vicky Leonard and husband Ronnie of Jonesborough; nieces Stacey Burrill and husband Mike of Charleston, South Carolina, Brady Caldwell and husband Cris of Knoxville, Natalie Norris and husband Jon of Gray, Amy Leonard of Jonesborough, and Brooke Madden of Jonesborough; two nephews, James Bailey and fiancé Ashley Gillis of Jonesborough, and Justin Madden of Jonesborough; and two special friends Diane and Bobby Davis of Johnson City. The family will receive friends, Wednesday, January 25, 2012 from 5-7pm at Morris Baker Funeral Home, and other times at the home of Zola Bailey, 1018 Embreeville Road, Johnson City. Graveside services and interment will be held, Thursday, January 26, 2012 at 2pm at Bailey Cemetery, Bakersville, NC. Graveside service will be led by Chris Whitehead, and assisting will be Darwin Booker and Pastor Jeremy Dykes. Family and friends are asked to meet at Morris Baker Funeral Home at 12:30pm to travel to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Chris Whitehead, Michael Bailey, Ronnie Leonard, Darwin Booker, Gary Killabrew, Mike Burrill, and Bobby Davis. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that monetary contributions can be made to the Good Samaritan Ministries, 100 North Roan Street, Johnson City, 376