Iva Jean Eadie Bayley, age 92, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025 at Clark Lindsey Village in Urbana, Illinois.
Born May 13, 1933, in West Frankfort, Illinois, she was the beloved daughter of Robert and Nellie Eadie. She grew up in West Frankfort until her senior year of high school, when her family moved to Carmi, Illinois—a community that would become the center of her life and service for decades.
Musically gifted, Iva Jean began playing piano for her church at a young age. She went on to attend the University of Illinois, where she majored in music.
On June 26, 1955, she married William Herbert “Herb” Bayley, with whom she shared 60 years of devoted marriage until his passing in 2016. Together, they built a life marked by deep love for family, music, community, and education.
Herb and Iva Jean lived in Rockford, Illinois, from 1957 to 1963 before returning to Carmi. In 1968, Iva Jean joined the faculty at Carmi Community High School as the choir teacher. She was a gifted and beloved educator who formed personal connections with generations of students. Herb and Iva Jean’s home became a favorite gathering spot for high schoolers enjoying popcorn and soda—so popular that students would bring their own poppers to keep up with the demand!
Iva Jean led cherished extracurricular groups such as the Singing Six and the iconic One Niter performances (Remember the 1969 “Hey Big Spender” number?!). She also taught at grade school music and gave piano lessons to many students over the years—relationships she maintained throughout her life.
Deeply committed to her faith and community, she served as choir director and organist at the First United Methodist Church of Carmi for an extraordinary 40 years. She also directed the community’s presentation of Handel’s Messiah for many years, enriching the cultural life of Carmi in countless ways.
Later in life, she and Herb moved to Champaign so he could receive specialized care for Parkinson’s disease, demonstrating the steadfast love and partnership that defined their marriage. As an active resident of Clark Lindsey Village, Iva Jean joined the Choraliers and was a frequent soloist during their performances. Her love of classical music and the University of Illinois led her to serve on the board of Sinfonia da Camera, the University’s professional orchestra.
Iva Jean is survived by her children Beth Ann Ellis (Kevin) of Carmel, IN, Jean Ellen Trubshaw (Jim) of Mequon, WI and Tim Bayley (Roger Laramee) of Champaign, Illinois
She was a cherished grandmother to Megan (Bill) Conway, Julianne (Kevin) Ludwig, David (Jeannie) Ellis, Sarah (Nick) Millot, and Jonathan Trubshaw. She delighted in her 18 great-grandchildren, who were a source of joy and pride.
She is also survived by her brothers David A. Eadie (Quincy, IL) and James B. Eadie (Van Alstyne TX) and was preceded in death by sister Elizabeth Ruth Eadie and brothers Robert B.”Bob” Eadie, Jr. and Paul W. Eadie.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 12:00 at the First United Methodist Church in Carmi, with visitation at 10:00. Burial will follow at Union Ridge Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to the First United Methodist Church of Carmi, in honor of Iva Jean’s lifelong service and devotion to her faith community. Gifts will also be accepted at Campbell Funeral Home, 609 W. Main St. Carmi, who is assisting the family with arrangements.
Iva Jean will be remembered for her music, her hospitality, her vibrant faith, her stylish fashion sense (you always need some bling!), her unwavering devotion to her family and students, and the countless ways she enriched the lives of those who knew her. She leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and song that will resonate for generations
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