Constance D. Bailey

Constance D. Bailey, 84, of Franklin, died at her residence at 2:29 p.m. Friday, July 8, 2016.

Connie was born in Annapolis, MD on September 24, 1931, the daughter of William Preston and Roxy Chatam Diggs. With a lifelong passion for education she earned her associate degree at Averett College in Danville, VA, in 1970 she received her bachelor's degree in Physical Education from Slippery Rock College and in 1972 she received her master's degree in education. She earned her principal's certificate from Edinboro University.

For many years she taught swimming and life guard training at the Franklin YMCA. Her professional career began by supervising the recreation department at Polk State School & Hospital. She later taught physical education, pre-school and gifted students for the IU6. She retired in 1997.

In addition to her athletic loves of swimming, skiing, and tap dancing she enjoyed painting and was a voracious reader. She had served on the Franklin Area School Board for 12 years and delighted in presenting her grandchildren with their high school diplomas. She had also served as secretary of the PSEA.

On March 8, 1952, she married Giles Leon Bailey; he died November 12, 2014.

Surviving are a son Giles L. Bailey Jr. and his wife Dorothy of Franklin; and two daughters, Norma K. Branem of Chicago and Connie jo Palmer and her husband, Bruce, of Franklin.

Also surviving are 9 grandchildren, Brandy Myers and her husband Billy, Ann Poyer and her husband Erik, Brian Leon Bailey and his wife Melanie, Jessica Bailey, Richard Palmer, Elizabeth Conroy and her husband Tom, Julie Fowler and her husband Nathaniel, Hannah Bailey and Sarah Palmer; and 4 great-grandchildren Kortnee and Blaze Myers and Ashlyn and Kinsey Poyer. A sister Diane Quick of Roanoke, VA completes her family

In addition to her parents and husband she was preceded in death by a son Dan R. Bailey.

Friends will be received in the Huff Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 312 W. Park St., Franklin from 4-7 p.m. Monday and from 2:30 t0 3:15 p.m. Tuesday at St. John's Episcopal Church. Funeral services will be held in the church at 3:30 p.m. with the Rt. Rev. Sean Rowe, Bishop of Northwest Pennsylvania officiating assisted by Rev. Richard C. Rowe.

Interment will be made in Peters Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to VNA of Venango County Hospice, 491 Allegheny Blvd., Reno PA 16323 or to St. John's Episcopal Church, 513 12th St., Franklin PA 16323

Online condolences, flowers and sympathy cards may be sent to her family by visiting www.HuffFuneral.com