Farmhouse Kitchen, Jan./Feb. 2026
Jill Bailey’s happiest moments are found in a warm kitchen surrounded by her family of 19.
Nestled in “Baileyville” in Cherokee County, she and husband Barry spend time around the table with their three sons, daughters-in-law and 11 grandchildren.
Whether stirring a pot of Bailey Home Place Vegetable Soup or chopping cabbage for Mrs. Jill’s Slaw, her life revolves around faith, family and the joy of serving others.
“Family is so special to me,” Jill said. “We built an additional room onto our house so we could all eat in one space. That’s how important being with my family is.”
Jill’s kind spirit, cheerful attitude and love of the Lord has guided her to many ministries. She taught special education for 32 years and led a Sunday school class. She also prepared dishes for local FFA banquets and Farm-City dinners working in tandem with her husband. Barry is a retired agriscience teacher and past chairman of Cherokee County Farm-City.
Her mission now includes serving home-cooked meals to elderly members of the community.
“Sometimes, I am the only person they see,” Jill said. “This is my ministry now. God wasn’t through using me. He put it on my heart to serve them and cook for them. My inspiration to do this came from a lady at our church.”
A family of poultry and cattle farmers, the Baileys also work the soil of a large family garden.
“We value eating at home,” said Jill, an avid canner. “The best way to eat is often natural. Almost every vegetable in my special soup was grown in our backyard.”
Jill’s best advice for cooking was borrowed from an old friend.
“Always put a little sugar — or Splenda — in it,” Jill said with a country twang.
For the Baileys, food is a method of making connections and creating special moments for their grandchildren.
“When I was a little girl, I spent time in the kitchen watching my grandmother cook,” Jill said. “I want my grandchildren to have those moments, too.”