Evelyn Arlene Bailey

Evelyn was born in Dearborn, Michigan on October 26, 1936, to Bert C. Reynolds and Geraldine Walker Reynolds. She grew up and attended public school in Cheboygan, Michigan, and then graduated from Spring Arbor Junior College on June 7, 1954. In April of 1956, Evelyn was married to Darwin K. Pratt of Drayton Plains, Michigan. The couple spent a year in Germany while Darwin was in the military and then moved to Topinabee, Michigan upon their return to the United States. After another short stay in Drayton Plains, the couple moved to Cheboygan, Michigan to raise their four children on a farm, where hard work, fresh air and room to roam was abundant. In 1975, Evelyn and Darwin were divorced, and she moved to Lakeland, Florida with their two daughters, while the 2 sons remained with their father in Cheboygan. Evelyn was married to Richard Bailey of Augusta, Maine in 1979. Except for a few brief moves, they resided in Lakeland until their respective deaths. Evelyn is survived by her son, Timothy Pratt of Kamikawa, Japan and daughters Faith (Paul) Vibbert of Lakeland, Florida and Rebecca (Tim) Cox of Lakeland, Florida. Grandchildren: Ian (Heather) Vibbert, Lauren Vibbert, Brennan Vibbert, Carson Vibbert, Joel (Angel) Pratt, Keith (Shelia) Pratt, Chelsea Pratt, Christopher Pratt, Mackenzie (King) Olajoku and Alexandra Cox, as well as eight great grandchildren. She is also survived by brother Howard Reynolds of Davison, Michigan and the father of her children. She was preceded in death by husband, Richard Bailey, son Mark Pratt, daughter-in-law Chikako Pratt and siblings Bruce Reynolds, Janet Houghtaling and Naomi Jackson. Evelyn (Evy) Bailey was a fun-loving, warm and kind person who loved the Lord with all her heart. All who knew her were quick to discover her love for music. She sang many solos over the years, and in every church that she belonged to, she was active in their choir. Her soprano voice was a joy to listen to, and left a lasting impression on those who heard it. She was also a self-taught pianist who played for Black River Free Methodist Church for many years. In lieu of a funeral service, her cremains will be taken to Cheboygan, Michigan to be buried next to her parents. The family requests that memorials be directed to https://allnationsinternational.kindful.com/?campaign=1051422.

Evelyn Arlene Bailey

October 26, 1936 - May 6, 2025