London - Anita Jones, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, nurse, and friend, exchanged this life for her heavenly reward on April the 16, 2025, at the age of 73. She was surrounded by a host of family and friends who watched her trade the trials of Earth, for the joy of Heaven.

Anita to some, but "Nene" to most, was a rock—steadfast, unshaken, and deeply rooted in Christ. Her strength didn't come from self, but from the One she trusted wholly. She was quietly fierce in her support of those she loved. Her smile was more than a facial expression—it was a light, warm and disarming, one that could brighten a room and calm any storm. She was emboldened, magnetic, and full of grace & grit. Her presence radiated the peace of someone who walked closely with the Lord.

She loved—and she loved hard. Fully. Faithfully. Unapologetically. She still does as most know, all the way from the end of the sky and back.

What she'll be remembered for most—next to that unmistakable smile—is her unwavering faith in Jesus. Through valleys and mountaintops, she clung to Him. Whether in joy or sorrow, health or pain, she carried her cross with courage, always pointing others to the hope she had in Christ.

For 35 inspired years, Anita served as a nurse—not just in title, but in calling. She mentored with wisdom, healed with compassion, and helped raise up a generation of healthcare professionals with grace and spirited conviction.

Kelly, her daughter, soon became the nurse she was most proud of. She entrusts her now to hold the banner high, saving and loving on as many as she can.

Her fingerprints are still on countless lives—quiet reminders of her patience, skill, and soul-deep love for others.

Born on June 5, 1951, to the late Bascom and Inez Bailey in East Bernstadt, Kentucky, Anita was raised in a home that taught her to love deeply, give freely, and find joy in life's simplest blessings. She took those lessons and passed them on, one gentle act at a time.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Bascom and Inez Bailey; her beloved son, Michael Bailey; her dearest grandson, Michael Andrew Bailey; her brother, Bruce Bailey; infant sister, Tammy Bailey; and her brother-in-law, Floyd Powell.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith and love in her son, Dwain Bailey of East Bernstadt, and her daughter, Kelly Helton and husband Rob of London. She is also remembered with deep affection by her siblings: Judy Powell of Hamilton, OH; Troy Bailey and wife Janet of East Bernstadt; Lyn Smith and husband Marvin of London; and Robin Adams and husband Chuck of London; as well as sister-in-law Joann Bailey of East Bernstadt.

Her greatest joys called her "Nene"—Grandchildren: Charleston Bailey, Christian, Ian, Aiden, Hope, and Grace Helton, Tessa Manning, Jordan Adams, and Kelsi Smith. With three great grandchildren: Michael Joseph and Jaxon Bailey, and Remi Smith.

Her grandchildren were not just part of her life—they were her legacy, and each one carries a piece of her kindness, her courage, and her faith. She leaves her torch with them now, knowing they will carry it on to make the world a better place.

Though we grieve her passing, we rejoice in her homegoing. She has fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. And now, we imagine her—arms raised, eyes wide with wonder, smiling even brighter—as she hears the words she longed to hear her whole life:

"Well done, thy good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord."

The funeral service of Anita Bailey Jones was conducted Saturday in the Bowling Funeral Home Chapel with Bobby Helton, Rob Helton, Brent Carroll and Christian Helton officiating. Burial followed in the Snuffer Cemetery in East Bernstadt.