On May 18, 2021, Nita Carr Bailey passed away at the age of 88. She was born in Greenwood, MS, February 13, 1933, to Lydia Mae Shurden Carr and Luther Howard (L.H.) Carr. Nita graduated from Greenwood High School in 1951 where she was a member of the Band, Latin Club, School Paper, and Majorette. Upon graduation, she matriculated to Judson College and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Sociology. She furthered her education by taking classes at Mississippi State University, the University of Alabama, the University of West Alabama, Mississippi University for Women, and Delta State University. Nita married Andrew M. Bailey, Jr of Winona, MS, in December 1954. The following years were spent in Starkville at Mississippi State and then at Auburn University where Andrew received his D.V.M degree. While in Auburn, Nita worked in the Science Department doing research and studying cattle feed. In 1960, they moved to Winona where Andrew joined his father in veterinary practice. While helping with the practice, she also taught Sunday School, was an active member and President of the Junior Auxiliary, and worked at the Welfare Department. Nita began her teaching career at Winona Academy where she taught science until the family moved to Aliceville, AL in 1974. Nita taught 5th Grade at Pickens Academy in Carrollton, AL for 34 years until her retirement in 2008. While at PA, Nita played a critical leadership role in achieving both Blue Ribbon School status and SACS Accreditation. She went on to assist other schools in achieving their SACS Accreditation. Nita felt that field trips were a vital extension of the classroom; for 13 years she carried classes to Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. During every trip, she successfully secured visits to the White House, chosen to lay the wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, given access to the Floor of the US Senate, toured Capitol Hill, attended concerts at the Kennedy Center, and visited Monticello and Mount Vernon. Among her many accomplishments and awards in Education, Nita was honored to be named the Alabama Independent School Association (AISA) Elementary Teacher of the Year and to be inducted into the AISA Hall of Fame in 2017. She enjoyed her travels to Europe, Mexico, Canada, Alaska, and many of the lower 48 states. Nita loved teaching, reading, attending plays, movies, bridge with her Aliceville bridge clubs, Auburn and Mississippi State football and softball, owls, and solitaire. After moving to Birmingham, she loved staying connected to her many friends, family, and former students via Facebook.
Nita was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Dr. Andrew M. Bailey, Jr; her parents; and brother, Billy Howard Carr. She is survived by daughter, Nellah Bailey McGough (Kevin), Mountain Brook, AL; son, Andrew (Andy) M. Bailey III (Michelle), Sarasota, FL; grandchildren Matthew McGough, Patrick McGough, Destiny Bailey, Nellah Carr Bailey, and Noni Bailey; sister-in-law Billie Hannah Carr Odom, Hernando, MS; and brother-in-law Johnny M. Bailey, Germantown, TN. She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, a host of dear cousins from Greenwood, her cherished friends, and her much loved dachshund, Aubie. Thank you, Kaye Corder and Annie Goodwin for your continued friendship and support and thank you, Tommy Russell for honoring her legacy with the Nita Bailey Scholarship at Pickens Academy. Graveside services to be held Tuesday, May 25, at Oakwood Cemetery, Winona, MS, at 2 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Pickens Academy, 225 Ray Bass Road, Carrollton, AL 35447; Winona Christian School, 1014 S. Applegate St., Winona, MS 38967; or a charity of your choice.
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Oliver Funeral Home of Winona, Inc. 
She was very much apart of my childhood memories and had a huge impact on me during my years before and during my time at PA. She was tough, but had a huge heart. She was also a dear, supportive friend to my mother.
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