Kate Ethel Bailey Wade

Mrs. Kate Bailey Wade, age 74, passed away on Monday, July 3, 2023, at her home in Pearson, Georgia, following a short illness. Known affectionately in the community as “Granny Kate” and “Miss Katy,” Mrs. Wade was a beacon of compassion, advice, assistance, and friendship for so many people. Her loving, jovial & heartwarming demeanor, and her natural ability to talk to & make friends with anyone, were just a few of her special qualities.

A native of Edgefield, South Carolina, Mrs. Wade was born on April 7, 1949, the daughter of Alfred Edward “Red” Bailey and Catherine Blackmer Bailey. The Bailey Family decided to make their home in Pearson after working with a traveling carnival for some time. Kate’s father, Red Bailey, was a local policeman, while her mother, “Kitty,” was a cook at Ione’s Drive-In on the north end of town, where Kate also worked as a curb hop as a teenager. Mrs. Wade soon began her own family and became a proud resident of Pearson for all of her years to come.

Mrs. Wade worked at Cady Bag in Pearson for over 20 years as a supervisor. After that, she and her sons had a BBQ business as well as a mobile home transport business. She was a devoted member of Covenant Outreach Ministries in Pearson where she was known lovingly as the “Queen of Covenant Church.” She loved her church and witnessing to others. She was known to always finish any conversation with “God Bless You” and “I Love You,” and it was spoken from the heart each time.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, John Ellis Wade; two brothers, John Henry Bailey and Buddy Bailey; one sister, Luanne Bailey; a granddaughter, Lindsey Joyner; and a grandson, Jase Joyner.

Mrs. Wade is survived by two sons, Michael “Coolie” Joyner and wife, Terri, of Pearson; and Jason Joyner and wife, Kristi, also of Pearson; two grandchildren, Aaron Joyner and Jaxton Joyner; one great-grandchild, Rilynn Joyner; special friend, Janet Critzer of Pearson; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Funeral services for Mrs. Wade were held on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at Covenant Church with Brother Michael Johnson, Brother Jody Silvers, and Brother Randall Rhymes officiating. Special music included “I Can Pray” rendered by April Gay and daughters with Mrs. Gay accompanying at the piano, “Carry Me Jesus” rendered by Michael Stone with CD accompaniment, and “What A Day” rendered by Michael Johnson with piano accompaniment. Soft music for the prelude and postlude was provided by Mrs. Francine Fender, pianist. The interment followed in Sweetwater Cemetery in Pearson.

Serving as active pallbearers were: Aaron Joyner, Michael Stone, Jeff Chaney, Kevin Vickers, Bruce Campbell,  and Matt Lindsey. Honorary pallbearers were Jerry Stone, Grady Bennett, Johnny Melvin Corbitt, and members of Covenant Outreach Ministries.

Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, Georgia, was in charge of the arrangements.