Tribute to Women: Laura Bailey
/Although a native of Illinois, occupational therapist Laura Bailey has called Texarkana home for over 36 years. As an OT student at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, she met Mark, the man she would marry. They planted themselves in Little Rock, and Laura worked at Arkansas Children’s Hospital for four years. In 1987, when Mark received a job offer in Texarkana, they loaded up their children—a toddling son (Andrew) and three-week-old daughter (Erica)—and relocated, full of hope and faith.
“We felt that the Lord was leading us to move here,” Laura said. “It took some time to adjust, but we know that Texarkana was the right place to raise our children. They had opportunities to excel in music and athletics that they may not have had in a larger city.”
In Texarkana, Laura worked in-home with private clients so that she could balance the demands of working while raising small children. She went on to serve patients at CHRISTUS St. Michael and then Encompass Rehab, where she spent 15 years. She obtained additional training in order to help people recovering from strokes. In 2007, she returned to the hospital, where she still works today—although on an “as-needed” basis, she said.
“I am slowing down but can’t give up working with patients to help them get back to as independent a level as possible,” she explained. “It is so rewarding to see others strive to improve or overcome a sudden illness or injury.”
Outside of work, Laura stays busy within her community. “I like to serve others when I see an opportunity,” she reflected, “whether that is providing therapy for a church member who would have been unable to get services, helping a neighbor while they’re out of town, helping a friend with a wedding, or cooking meals and snacks for our church youth at summer camp. You may not see me out on the front lines at some events or gatherings because I’d rather be washing dishes or cleaning behind-the-scenes.”
Laura and Mark have lived in Texarkana for 36 years.
A caretaker through and through, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Laura regularly traveled to and from Illinois to take care of her mother as she underwent cancer treatment. She cited that 15-month period as the greatest obstacle she has faced in her life. “Thankfully, I had a supportive husband, family and friends who would listen when I became frustrated and tired,” she reflected. “My faith and praying for strength and endurance also got me through these months.”
Laura recently moved her 94-year-old aunt to Texarkana and is providing care for her. She also loves when she gets “the occasional call or text, ‘Hey Mom, can you help with the grandkids?’” she said. “Of course, I do what I can to rearrange things to be with them. I know that all too soon, they will be grown. My six precious grandchildren bring me so much joy, laughter and fun.”
FSLM asked Laura ...
What’s your favorite local spot to spend time? I love going to eat at Pop’s Place.
What’s something most people don’t know about you? I hate to cook.
Who is a woman you admire? Since I was young, I have been inspired by Wilma Rudolph. Wilma overcame childhood polio and became a sprinter and Olympic gold medalist.
Vicki Hornok’s words on Laura Bailey
Laura and I nursed our infant daughters together while trying to keep our two-year-old boys quiet and happy. We were in a “cry closet” off the rented banquet room of the old Executive Inn that Fellowship Bible Church used as its first worship center. We were supposed to be listening to my husband preach, but we mostly just talked, helping each other stay sane as mothers of preschoolers. Thirty-five years later, our sons and daughters are successful in their work, great parents in their homes and valuable assets to their church. Old friends are the best friends. I’m amazed at Laura. She’s a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, occupational therapist and a Boston Marathoner! She’s a quiet spiritual giant who is often bending low to serve others. Her specialty is the elderly, who just need more patience and love than the average person can give. Most recently, I saw it in the love and care she showed my own mother. Often she’d slip by my mom’s place for a quick visit and some encouraging words. I’d only find out about her visits later when I’d hear that “Laura came by to see your mom.” And my mom was just one of dozens of people throughout the years who have been blessed by Laura’s Christ-like love. Jesus said that the greatest in His Kingdom will be those who serve. When I get to Heaven, I’m going to brag about knowing Laura here on Earth. In Russia they honor people with “low bows.” Laura gets my lowest bow.