Obituary of Paula Claire Trussell Bailey

Paula Claire Trussell Bailey (83) of Orangeburg, SC passed away peacefully surrounded by family on January 26, 2024. She was born in Savannah, GA to Mr. Charlie Ward Trussell, Sr. and Pauline Fuller Trussell. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother Charlie “Ward” Trussell, Jr. (Sharon) and her son, Stuart Todd Bailey, sister-n-laws, Cindy Trussell (Calvin) and Etta Trussell (Donald).

She is survived by her children, Craig Bailey (Angie), Erin Owens (Brett) all from Prosperity, SC, and Brian Bailey (Susan) of Denham Springs, LA, sister-in-law, Sharon Trussell of Woodbridge VA, brothers, Gene Trussell (Mary Nell) of Lexington, SC, Donald “Donny” Trussell of Wolfton, SC; and Calvin Trussell of Barnwell, SC. She was MeMe to her grandsons, Stuart Bailey (Nicole) of Aiken, SC; Reggie Bailey (Kaycee) of Belton, SC; Blake Owens (Hannah) of N. Charleston, SC; Austin Owens (Ellen) of Knoxville, TN, and great-grandchildren Leighton and Graham Bailey, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Paula graduated from Walterboro High School and MUSC Charleston as a Registered Nurse. She retired from The Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg in 2004 where she worked as an infection control nurse for 30 years.

Paula was a devout member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church for over 50 years. She served as past president of the St. Andrews United Methodist Women, managed the Mary Lib Avinger Scholarship Fund for musicians, and was a member of the Jean Brittain Circle. Over the years she loved singing in the choir, helping with the children’s choir, and teaching the acolytes. As well, she enjoyed serving in the Shepherd Ministry preparing and delivering food to those in need. Paula volunteered at The Samaritan’s House and a health clinic/homeless shelter and often drove people to various appointments or places in service to others for many years. She drove the Blood Mobile for several years and gave over 18 gallons of her blood to help others until she was no longer able due to cancer. Paula was a breast cancer survivor.

Paula loved spending time with family and enjoyed helping others. She liked watching the Gamecocks play football and basketball. She also enjoyed watching Clemson football with her brothers. She loved to garden. She set a strong example for her family through her strong faith in God and serving Him faithfully throughout her life. She was a blessing to all who knew her and made an impact in the people's lives around her. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Shepherd Ministry of Saint Andrews UMC, 1980 Columbia Road, Orangeburg, SC 29118 or Habitat for Humanity.

The South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.