Phyllis I. Bailey

Phyllis I. Bailey

Phyllis I. Bailey, 89, of Greenfield, Indiana, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at Springhurst Health Campus, just three months shy of her 90th birthday.

Born on September 21, 1936, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Phyllis was a loving mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and loyal friend. She lived a life full of determination, humor, generosity, and unconditional love for her family.

Phyllis retired from Western Electric after 38 years of dedicated service. Retirement didn't slow her down for long. She later found what she considered her true professional calling as a people greeter—and self-appointed "taker down of shoplifters"—at Walmart, where she worked for 17 years at both the Shelbyville and Greenfield stores. She loved sharing the many stories, friendships and adventures from those years, often with a smile and a laugh.

Outside of work, Phyllis found joy in life's simple pleasures. She faithfully played the lottery, always hoping to "hit the jackpot" so she could take care of the people she loved. She delighted in spotting "red birds," collected angels as symbols of love and elephants for good luck, and enjoyed taking leisurely drives through the park or stopping by to check on family and friends. Deeply in tune with her spirit world, Phyllis was never afraid to share what she felt or believed, offering comfort and wisdom to those around her.

Above all else, Phyllis loved her family. She spoke proudly of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren every chance she got. Her greatest joy was watching her family grow and celebrating their accomplishments.

She is survived by her daughters, Jackie Shannon of Morristown, Indiana, and Shari Peek of Indianapolis, Indiana; her grandchildren, Jennifer (Jason) Swift of Greenfield, Indiana, Jamie (Nathan) Long of Zionsville, Indiana, Erin Jones of Mooresville, Indiana, Tracy (Mark) Dayhuff of Rio Vista, Texas, Cody Shannon of Morristown, Indiana, and Devin (Andrew) Davis of Indianapolis, Indiana; and her cherished great-grandchildren: Coleman, Morgan, Harley, Ethan, Emma, Dorothy, Lilly, Gian, Grahm, Kalli, Bella, Aubrey, Bentley, Blake, Oliver, Bryce, Chloe, and Isaac.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Waltz and Sara Waltz Wagner; her son, Marvin Gene; her husband of 10 years, Marvin "Bunk" Bailey; her brothers, George and Clyde; her sisters, Shirley, Helena, and Lois Kay; and her son-in-law, Kevin Peek.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Flanner Buchanan – Floral Park, 425 N. Holt Road, Indianapolis, Indiana 46222. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the same location, followed by burial.

All who knew and loved Phyllis are welcome to attend and celebrate a life that was lived with strength, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family.

Though she may no longer be driving by to "check on everyone," counting "red birds", or sharing stories of catching shoplifters, her love, her laughter, and her unforgettable spirit will remain with those who knew her forever.

"Talk to ya later Babe"