Mary Julia Knight Bailey

Published 4:50 pm Wednesday, February 19, 2025

Mary Julia Knight Bailey, age 88, of Tuscaloosa, Alabama passed away on February 5, 2025. She was born on June 24, 1936, in Tuscaloosa, the daughter of Chester Howard Knight and Mary Nona Darden Knight. Remaining to cherish Julia’s memories are her son, Lamar Edward Bailey, and his wife, Clara (daughter by marriage), of Collierville, Tennessee, daughter, Mary Selena Whittle, and grandchildren Nathan and Shaun Whittle. Preceding Julia in death are her parents, her husband, Max Lamar Bailey, and her sister, Martha Nona Knight Freeman.

Julia grew up in Tuscaloosa and attended public schools, graduating from Tuscaloosa High School in 1954. She attended The University of Tennessee for 2 years, before returning home to The University of Alabama to finish her undergraduate degree in accounting. As an avid learner, Julia decided to continue her education, earning a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) at The University of Alabama. Following in her father’s steps, she was a college professor, teaching accounting at Shelton State Community College. Her students still remark about how extraordinary she was as a professor. 

She met her husband, Max Lamar Bailey, while attending the University of Alabama. They were married on August 17, 1956 and began a marriage that lasted more than 60 years until his death on August 1, 2020. While they lived most of their life together in Tuscaloosa, they also spent some memorable years in Demopolis making wonderful friends before moving back home.

Julia was a devoted mother to her two children, Lamar and Mary, who flourished because of her infinite love and attention in raising them. “You can be anything you want to be,” was often stated, as she supported her children in their aspirations. While Julia was raising her children, she volunteered with the Junior League, contributing her energy and time to the community and to social reform. When time allowed, she enjoyed playing tennis and golf. Her other hobbies included painting, pottery and ceramics, and photography. She loved flowers, fashion, going to the beach, travel, entertaining friends, each and every pet, and making even the smallest of events special for her family. Julia also enjoyed dancing with her husband, who was a sought-after dance partner in social gatherings. As gracious as ever, Julia would share and let their friends “shake it up” with her husband on the dance floor. Julia’s life is a reflection of her innate love, intelligence, and compassion. The lives she touched will be forever changed.

To honor her life, a memory sharing celebration will be held on March 14, 2025 from 2:00-4:00pm at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park and Chapel, 5434 Old Birmingham Hwy, Tuscaloosa, AL 35404.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chester Knight Scholarship Fund at the University of Alabama in memory of Mary Julia Knight Bailey, PO Box 870101, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487. Online: www.ua.edu/make a gift/ and select the Chester Knight Scholarship Fund.