Maye Bailey McGann

Maye Bailey McGann passed away on August 19th, 2026, at age 87. She was born on September 2nd, 1938 in Friday, Texas. Her memorial service will be on Wednesday, September 2nd, 1pm, at NewLife Church – Riordan in Bella Vista, AR. A future service is planned for November in Texas.

Maye is survived by her loving husband of 44 years, Michael McGann; her children: Brenda and Donnie Carter, Thomas Kenneth Cobb, Daniel and Carolyn McGann, Douglas McGann; her grandchildren: Jennifer Carter, Laura Carter, Joshua and Kaitlyn McGann, Riley McGann, and Hunter McGann; her sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Ray Gumm; her sister-in-law, Brenda Bailey; and numerous nieces and nephews. Maye was preceded in death by her daughter, Debra Kate Cobb, her parents, Joe and Opal Bailey, and her brothers, Jim Bailey, Hayne Bailey, and Weldon Bailey.

Maye was raised in East Texas and came from a very close and loving family. She helped care for her Mama and Daddy in their final days, and told great stories about them. She and her siblings frequently brought their families together for visits and celebrations. Maye was saved after hearing the gospel message at the Baptist church she attended with her family, and was baptized in a local river. She chose to stay in Groveton to finish her last year of high school before joining her family, who had moved to Houston. There she met her first husband, Tommy Cobb, with whom she had three children.

After working as a secretary, Maye was promoted to a sales specialist. She frequently flew to meet with customers, which led to her meeting her future husband Mike. Despite chronic back pain for most of her adult life, she still traveled to visit family and her favorite places, especially New Orleans, New York, and Venice, Italy. But she enjoyed her home in Bella Vista most of all, especially her peonies, and watching all the birds, deer, bald eagles, and-for one notable season-the raccoons. She had two well-loved rescue dogs brought to her by her son Kenny.

Maye loved and was deeply loved by all of her family and friends. They enjoyed close relationships, talking on the phone, playing games, and sharing interests. Maye excelled in solving puzzles, playing Yahtzee, 42, and Scrabble. She enjoyed movies, tv shows, and celebrity magazines, and talking about them with her granddaughter Laura. Maye shared a lifelong love of Elvis with her sister and daughter.

In the last five years of her life, Maye lived at Jamestown Nursing Home, where Mike was a regular fixture. The staff, who lovingly cared for her, came to know the two of them well, often sharing how much seeing her brightened their day. During this time, some of her family was able to move nearby so they could be with her more often.

Maye was truly special and had an impact on everyone who met her, and will be tremendously missed as a testament to the deep love she inspired in and gave to others.