Obituary: Caroline Bailey Green

Caroline Bailey Green passed away at home in Windermere on Friday, Feb. 24, 2017, surrounded by her family. She was 90 years old.

Caroline was born in Thomasville, Georgia, to Marjorie and George Bailey, both Florida natives. She spent many summers with family in Gainesville and Monticello. She was raised in Englewood, New Jersey, graduating from Dwight School.

She attended Wellesley College but left early to marry the love of her life, Jesse Green, who was a West Point graduate. She later graduated from Huntington College (Alabama) with a degree in elementary education.

Caroline was predeceased by her husband of 67 years, Jesse Green; her sister, Sue Mason; brother, George Bailey, and son-in-law, Paul Seibel. She is survived by her four children, Michael Green (Hiroko), Patricia Green, Marjorie Malloy (Mike) and Judy Green; as well as 10 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Carol and Jesse raised their four children during Jesse’s 30-year career in the Air Force. They lived in California, Japan, Florida, Okinawa, Hawaii, South Carolina, Alabama, Thailand and Texas, moving 11 times in 30 years. Despite their many moves across and outside the country, they nurtured and maintained strong ties with family and friends by making it a priority to spend time with friends and family as much as possible.

She and Jesse shared a love for both water- and snow-skiing and skied well into their 80s.

The Greens moved to Windermere in 1976 after Jesse’s retirement from the Air Force and purchased their beloved home of 40 years on Windermere’s Second Avenue. Caroline was loved by friends and neighbors for her generosity and legendary hospitality. Carol went out of her way to meet new neighbors and introduce them to other neighbors to make them feel at home. 

She taught reading for many years and later worked with Jesse in their print shop in Winter Garden. She was an active longtime volunteer for Edgewood Children’s Ranch, Orange County elementary reading programs and Church of the Messiah.

With Jesse she was a strong supporter of the Rotary Club of Windermere and West Orange Habitat for Humanity. Carol remained active throughout her life with bridge club, Tai-Chi, line dancing, garden club, book group and Bible study. She and Jesse loved to travel, visiting their children across the U.S. and planning fantastic family reunions in far-flung places.

The Green family Mediterranean cruise was a highlight, bringing together children and grandchildren to celebrate Carol’s 80th birthday.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, March 13, at the Church of the Messiah in Winter Garden. Donations to West Orange Habitat for Humanity are requested in lieu of flowers.