Earlene Bailey Kent

Earlene Bailey Kent, a long time Abilene teacher died Sunday morning. Earlene was born August 28, 1927 in Abilene, Texas to Earl and Mildred "Gipson" Bailey. The Abilene Christian Masters Degree Graduate had previously taught in Bowie and Dyes Elementary School for twenty two years. She is survived by her son, Mark Kent and his wife Karen, and their children Don Mark, Kelli and Kaci; by her daughter, Karen Kent of Abilene; brother, Bob Bailey of Austin; a niece, Becky Bailey of Littleton, Colorado, a nephew, Bryan Bailey; and countless children whose lives she had touched. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl M and Mildred Bailey, an Abilene highway contractor, and Thurman Kent her former husband. Mrs. Kent was an active member of many organizations including Texas State Teachers Association, National Education Association, Delta Kappa Gamma, and other Texas and National Teacher Associations. For years she was an active member of Abilene Woman's Club and Women of ACU. Born in Abilene's Hendrick Hospital in 1927 she graduated from Corpus Christi High School and ACU. As a young graduate before she began her teaching career she was honored by serving for many years as Secretary to Don H. Morris, who served many years as President of ACU. For the last six years she lived in Sears Memorial Center where she had daily loving care. At one time Earlene could call the name of every resident. She was an active member and former Bible Class Teacher at Highland Church of Christ where a service will be held in her honor Wednesday at 2pm, under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. A visitation period will begin at the church at 1pm and all are invited. The music to be played before and during the service was recorded several years ago by the Reunion Chorus, a group of ex-members of the Acapella Choirs of Abilene Christian University. Earlene participated in the recording of this music. Honorary and Active Pall Bearers include, Jim Bartee, Wally Bullington, John Allen Chalk, Jeff Cox, Dr. John Estes, Clois Fowler, David Fry, Don Jackson, Don Mark Kent, Jack King, Rusty McLeskey, Dub Orr, Jeff Salmon, and Doug Shepherd.