Brenda A. Bailey
September 26, 1950 – September 28, 2026
Brenda A. Bailey, age 76 of York, Nebraska, passed away on Monday, September 28, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska, surrounded by the family she so dearly loved.
She was born on September 26, 1950, to Edgar and Adelaide (Ingwaldson) Whitwer in Buxton, North Dakota. Raised on a family farm, Brenda grew up with a deep, lifelong love for animals that stayed with her until her very last days. She attended school in the region, graduating with the Class of 1969 from Climax High School. On April 5, 1992, she was united in marriage to the love of her life, Jimmy Lee Bailey, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Brenda was a woman of vibrant passions who found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life. Her protective and nurturing heart was on full display even at the end, when she made her family promise to remind “Grandpa” to pick up dog food “tomorrow” for her newest, dearly loved dog, Chiquita.
In her free time, Brenda cherished long summer days hunting for cobalt blue trinkets and treasures at garage sales and auctions, always keeping an eye out for her favorite hue. At home, she found peace admiring her morning glories, yet she also possessed an adventurous spirit, treasuring the five and a half years she spent riding on the back of Jimmy’s Harley-Davidson.
Brenda’s heart belonged to her family and friends. She loved nothing more than gathering people together, whether hosting lively family dinners filled with her beautifully spiced Asian dishes or enjoying long afternoons of coffee, tea, and warm chitchat with those she held dear. A woman of profound faith, Brenda lived her values openly and intentionally, instilling a strong foundation of love, kindness, and devotion in her children and grandchildren. Her life was defined by an utter generosity of spirit; she gave freely of her time and love, and frequently donated items to the local mission, a legacy of kindness and charity that her family will proudly carry on.
She is survived by her beloved husband of 34 years, Jimmy Bailey of York; her daughter, Shannon Dehl of York; her son, Edgar Dehl of the Florida Keys; her grandchildren, Maritza Acosta of York, Mikel (Tristan) Powers of Lincoln, VictorMaddock of Lincoln, and Jay D. Guy of Lincoln; many adored great-grandchildren; her cherished dog, Chiquita; and a host of extended relatives and lifelong friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Adelaide; her brother, Brent Whitwer; her aunts, Ida M. Fletcher and Erna N. Thorson; and her uncles, Edward T. Whitwer, Oscar A. Whitwer, Raymond A. Whitwer, Ralph R. Whitwer, Charles F. Whitwer, and William N. Whitwer.
In accordance with Brenda’s explicit wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be no viewing, visitation, or formal funeral services scheduled at this time. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family for later designation. Friends and family are also invited to share memories, stories, and photos by leaving comments on Brenda’s Facebook page.