Mary Alice Farmer Bailey is a retired educator of the Gadsden County School System.

She received her formal education from the public schools of Gadsden County, Florida and graduated from Carter Parramore High School. Mary received her Bachelor of Science in Clothing and Retail and Family, Consumer Science from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU).

After marrying Sgt Freddie Louis Bailey, she had the opportunity to live in various locations, both abroad and throughout Florida, as part of a military family. From this experience, she grew to love traveling and meeting people of diverse backgrounds. Mary and Freddie have one son, Brian Andre Bailey, who is now retired from the Army.

Mary used her skills at Greensboro High School teaching Family Consumer Sciences and Life Skills. As a teacher at Greensboro High School, she was awarded three times by her fellow teachers the honor of Teacher of the Year. Upon her retirement, the school’s staff and students awarded her for service and dedication as the Grand Marshal for their homecoming parade. The community also gave her the Key to the City.

Mary was initiated in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she served all humankind as an officer and member of many committees. As a life member, Mary was honored twice as Soror of the Year and for her twenty-five years of service, awarded the honor of Silver Star.

She spends her time serving faithfully on many boards and auxiliaries at Arnett Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church. In her spare time, you may find her outside planting and nourishing her plants. Inside, she is often in the kitchen baking, canning, or just enjoying her Shih Tzu, “Ivy.” One of her greatest joys is spending time with her family and friends.