Marjorie Mary Bailey

Marjorie Bailey, 95, passed away on March 27, 2026 in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. She was preceded in death by her husbands, William K Murphy (1950-1987), Clark Shaughnessy (1996-2004) and Jack Bailey (2010-2023); her parents, Mary and Doc Fuller; her sister, Johnny Elmore (Charles); and her eldest son, William G Murphy.

Marjorie was born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1931. Her family moved to Mobile, Alabama where she graduated from Murphy High School. Following graduation, she moved to New Orleans where she worked as a fashion model for various department stores and even appeared on TV, an experience she recalled fondly for the rest of her life. At this time, she met her first husband, William K Murphy, a staff sergeant in the Air Force. William and Marjorie had three children, William G Murphy, Robert S Murphy, and Tracy G Murphy. During these years with William, she traveled to various US military bases including Japan, Germany and Taiwan.

In the early 1970’s Marjorie learned to quilt, a hobby she loved. With the support of her husband, she was able to turn her quilting hobby into a profitable business by creating her own pattern company of quilts and quilted clothing. She designed 15 dresses for the Fairfield batting company, and a quilt for President and Mrs. Regan named “Nancy’s Rose Garden” which is now on display at the Smithsonian museum. Marjorie was granted a US patent for “reversible trapunto” a form of raised quilting in 1983, something she was very proud of. She traveled the US and Canada teaching and lecturing on her unique quilting technique.

Many years after the death of her beloved William, Marjorie married Clark Shaughnessy and moved to Gulf Hills in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. This was a happy time for her because she was able to become a member of various clubs where she met dear friends. During this time, she enjoyed entertaining and attending social events. She danced at numerous Mardi Gras Balls, caught beads at local parades and frequently attended the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra.

After Clark’s death in 2004, Marjorie took up gardening. Enjoying it greatly, she enrolled in gardening classes and read as much as she could on growing plants. It did not take long for Marjorie to turn her own yard into a garden paradise. In 2010, Marjorie married Jack Bailey. Being of older age, they enjoyed traveling, cruises, going out with friends and Marge still loved working in her yard.

Marjorie was very talented and could practically make anything if she set her mind to it. Her beautiful sewn clothing and quilts, her handmade exquisite seashell chandelier, her handcrafted Venetian Mardi Gras masks, and a wonderful hand painted tropical etching seen on the front entry door of her Gulf Hill’s home are a few to mention. Marjorie will be remembered for her many talents, but most of all for the love she had for her family and friends. She loved the holidays when the whole family was together. She will be missed dearly.

Beyond her two living children, Robert (Kathleen) Murphy and Tracy Murphy, survivors include three grandchildren, Angela Haygood, Robert Murphy, and Joseph Murphy; her sister, Phyllis Raybun; niece, Renee Raybun Arney; nephew, Mitchel Raybun; and extended family and friends.

Please check back for additional information on service arrangements.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Marjorie Bailey.