Montrease Bailey

Mrs. Montrease Russell Bailey, age 83, crossed over into glory Wednesday morning, January 8th holding the hand of her beloved husband of 66 years, Ted Bailey, Sr.

The Bailey and Russell families believe she was greeted by her grandmother, Minnie Russell, her mother and daddy, Jimmy and Vantrease Russell and her son, Charles Tracy Bailey.

For the first 40 years of their marriage, Montrease and Ted raised their six children at their home on Esther Street in Orlando.

Tedi Jane Almansberger (Gil Alexander), Scott Bailey (Cheri), Tracey Bailey – residing in heaven (Marilyn), Joe Bailey, Ted Bailey (Donna) and Dan Bailey.

She loved Christmastime. In the 1970’s cars would line up all night long to drive past the house. The lights and decorations were wondrous.

She is the oldest child of the late Mr. James Scott and Mrs. Vantrease Little Russell, founders of the Russell Home for Atypical Children located on Holden Avenue in Orlando.

She worked tirelessly along with her sisters from the time they were youngsters in helping their mother with the precious children residing in their home.

She was also the cherished daughter-in-law of the late Ted and Ruth Bailey of Orlando.

As a devoted Wife, Mother, Daughter, Daughter-in-Law, Sister, Sister-in-law and Aunt- she loved her family dearly.

No one ever thought of dialing the operator or 911 in a crisis. Instead they called Montrease. She never hesitated, always forging ahead, doing what was necessary. She believed everything was possible.

She was like a mother to many children throughout her life. She will be missed beyond belief.

Grandchildren: Alicia, Travis, BJ, Shannon, Jason, Jennifer, Joe Jr., Alton (also known as little BJ), Ashley, Charles, James, Jacob, and Emmy. Great Grandchildren: Dyllan, Dausen, Cheyenne, Mikey, Raymond, Shi, Billy Joe,

Leilani, Nathaniel, Nikolai, Layton, Taydem, Quinnlynn, Dean, Steven, Ryan, Hunter and Lily. Montrease is survived by her sisters: Janet Nixion, Judy Harris, Marie Fannin and her brothers Charles and Brent Russell. She is predeceased by her sister Jimmie Ann Zuffalato.

An informal visitation will be held at 2pm on Saturday, January 25th at Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home, 2811 Curry Ford Road, Orlando, FL 32806 (407) 898-2561.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested all gifts be given in Montrease’s honor to the

Russell Home for Atypical Children at 510 Holden Avenue, Orlando, FL 32839