Margaret Inez Bailey Obituary
Send Flowers

Margaret Inez Bailey Obituary

Margaret Bailey passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026.


Born on December 1, 1928, in South Carolina, Margaret was the beloved daughter of Nancy Louise Burgess. She spent her childhood in Kingstree, South Carolina, where she attended grammar school. In 1941, she moved to Alachua, Florida, where she continued her education at Alachua County Training School.


Following her graduation, Margaret relocated to Jersey City, New Jersey, where she attended business school in Journal Square. It was there that she met and married Marcus Wiggs. Together they welcomed two sons, Marcus A. Wiggs III and Michael J. Wiggs. Their marriage later ended in divorce in 1970.


Margaret later married Robert J. Bailey. Although their marriage ended in divorce in 1981, they shared many years together.


Margaret enjoyed a long and dedicated career. In 1963, she began working for the New York Telephone Company as a personnel clerk, a position she held until 1971. In 1972, she accepted a position with Schering-Plough Pharmaceuticals, dedicating many years of service before retiring in 1990. Never one to sit still, Margaret returned to work in 1993, taking a part-time position at JFK Medical Center, where she worked until her retirement in 1999.


Above all, Margaret treasured her family. She was the loving mother of two sons (The Late) Marcus A. Wiggs, III, and Michael J. Wiggs; a granddaughter, Andrea Rennie; and two great-grandchildren, Anthony and Deshia. She also leaves behind her beloved nieces, Sherry, Pam and Vicky; her goddaughter, JoAnne; her nephews, Clarence Williams and Jeffrey Burgess; many other loving nieces and nephews; and a host of cousins who will forever cherish her memory


Margaret was predeceased by her brother, Edward; her sisters, Flora and Dorothy; and her niece, Nancy.


Margaret will be remembered for her strong work ethic, resilience, and unwavering love for her family. Her kindness, wisdom, and enduring spirit will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.


***LIVE STREAM-FUNERAL SERVICE***

Margaret Bailey passed away peacefully on July 16, 2026.


Born on December 1, 1928, in South Carolina, Margaret was the beloved daughter of Nancy Louise Burgess. She spent her childhood in Kingstree, South Carolina, where she attended grammar school. In 1941, she moved to Alachua, Florida, where she continued

Events

Visitation at Funeral Home

Saturday, August 8, 2026

9:00 am - 10:00 am

Higgins Home for Funerals

752 Mountain Blvd. Watchung, NJ 07069

Funeral Service

Saturday, August 8, 2026

10:00 am

Higgins Home for Funerals

752 Mountain Blvd. Watchung, NJ 07069

Interment

Saturday, August 8, 2026

11:30 am

Hollywood Memorial Park

1621 Stuyvesant Avenue Union, NJ 07083