Lydia Long Bailey, 89, of Earleville, MD passed away peacefully at home on November 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Lydia was born on June 11, 1936 in Elkton, MD to the late Wallace and Susie Whitlock Long.  Growing up she attended Cecil County schools and was an accomplished seamstress.  For over 50 years she worked as an upholster and owned and operated Bailey's Custom Upholstery.  She was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church and was previously an associate member of Hacks Point Volunteer Fire Company.

Lydia loved to travel and especially enjoyed camping trips.  She had fond memories of camping locally in Greensboro, and traveling and camping at Flory's in Lancaster, PA and Branson, MO.  She loved to be outside in the garden and watching wildlife.  She installed birdhouses in the yard so she could watch and enjoy the Purple Martins in the spring and summer.  She was well known for her special Coconut Cakes and always being a helping hand to others.  Above all her greatest joy was spending time with her family.

Along with her parents she is preceded in death by two sons, Robert L. Short Jr. and James H. Short; a daughter Susan Short; brother Wallace "Buddy" Long Jr.

She is survived by her husband of 49 years James Bailey, son Patrick Short (Tammy); 6 grandchildren, Leslie Short, Jesse Short, Bobby Short III, Christopher Short, Brooke Bedwell, and Wyatt Short; 7 great grandchildren; daughters in-law Robin Biggs and Jean McDaniel; sisters in-law Carolyn Subolefsky and June Reynolds and her beloved Jack Russell, Maggie.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, November 30 from 3 to 5 PM in the Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech, 118 W. Cross St. Galena, MD.  An additional viewing will be held on Monday December 1 from 10 to 11 AM in St. Paul's United Methodist Church 1687 Crystal Beach Rd. Earleville, MD, where a funeral service will begin at 11 AM.  A burial will follow in Zion Cemetery, Cecilton, MD.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Lydia's memory to the Upper Bay Ruritans Club and the Cecilton Lions Club.

The Bailey Family would like to express their most sincere thanks to the Christiana Care Nurses, Amedisys Hospice Nurses and a special thank you to Dr. Shahnawaz Khan, Dr. Eric Marshall and the vascular doctors of Vascular Associates for all their care and support they gave Lydia over the years.

arrangements by Galena Funeral Home of Stephen L. Schaech.