Lola Bailey's Obituary
Lola Bailey peacefully left this world surrounded by family in New Caney, Texas, on January 31, 2026, entering eternal life with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Small in stature but with a personality and heart the size of Texas, Lola’s greatest treasure in life was her family. She loved fiercely and unconditionally — whether by blood or by choice — and had a rare gift for making everyone she encountered feel deeply loved and truly special.
Lola was the middle child of Guy and Lois Vickery and was raised in Dallas, Texas. Growing up, she became the “designated hairdresser” for her brother’s garage band, The American Blues, which would later become the legendary band ZZ Top. Her job was to dye each band member’s hair blue before their gigs — a role she carried out with pride and humor.
In 1959, Lola married David Parker, and together they had a daughter, Ellen Parker. In 1962, she married Eugene “Butch” Thornton, and together they had five children, raising all six children as a family until their divorce in 1980. In 1986, Lola met Aaron Bailey, and they married in 1992. She lovingly became a stepmother to his three children, creating a beautifully blended family and a home filled with laughter, warmth, and love.
Lola retired from Intermedics after more than 25 years of dedicated service as a line coordinator and team lead in pacemaker manufacturing. In retirement, she cherished spending time with family, traveling, working word puzzles, and caring deeply for animals.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Guy and Lois Vickery; her brother, Phil Vickery; her husband, Aaron Bailey; and her step-grandson, Dallas Moreland.
She is survived by her beloved older sister, Paula Casey, with whom she lived for 12 years following her retirement. Together they shared many treasured memories through travel, church, and daily life. Eventually, Lola moved back to the coast to be closer to her children and grandchildren.
In a profound and heartbreaking twist of fate, her beloved eldest daughter, Ellen Parker, passed away from an illness just hours after Lola left this world on the same day. They were truly two peas in a pod, and the family is comforted knowing they journeyed into heaven side by side.
Left to cherish her memory are her children: Paul Thornton; Troy Thornton; Gina Davis (Sandy); Jason Thornton (Tammy); and Chance Thornton (Leigh Ann). Her stepchildren: Michelle Findley (Jason); James Bailey (Erica); and Sara Wright (Rick). As the world’s greatest Mimi, Lola is also lovingly survived by 17 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren, 3 step-great-grandchildren, and a large circle of cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.
The family would like to thank Kasidie Adams for the years of love and care she provided Lola during her illness.
Funeral services are pending and will be held at Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery in Dallas, Texas. Service details will be shared once arrangements are finalized.
Lola’s legacy is one of love, faith, laughter, and family — a life well lived and a heart that will be forever missed.
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