Dr. Lucy M. Jackson Bayles

Lucy Jackson Bayles, passed away at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2025 in IU Health/Ball Memorial Hospital.

She was born December 24, 1944, in Hartford City, to the now late Robert and Margaret (Geyer) Jackson.  Lucy graduated from Hartford City High School in 1963 and then graduated from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio in 1967.  She went on to earn her Masters and Doctorate degrees from Ball State University.

Lucy was a professor in early childhood education at the University of Missouri, Clemson University and the University of Alaska.

She is survived by two daughters:  Amy (John) Payne of Hartford City and Mandy (Will) Dornan of Jackson, Wyoming; two step-sons:  David (Pamela) Bayles and Paul Bayles, both of Raleigh, North Carolina; her brother, John Jackson of Hartford City.   Thirteen grandchildren: Travis (Lauren) Pearson, Erin (Travis) Roush, Emily (Adam) Swagger, Katy (Alex) Ort, Joey (Hannah) Payne, Jenna Payne; Sam, Margaret, Ruthie and Cecil Dornan, Jessica (Chris) Starbird, Jocelyn (Holden) Dixon and Jacob Bayles.

In addition to her parents, Lucy is preceded in death by her husband, Alan Bayles and her son, Danny Pearson.

Lucy's family extends a special heartfelt thank you to Lucy's special caregiver, Amy Mauck.

Per Lucy's request, no services are to be held. Cremation has taken place.

Memorial contributions in her name, may be directed to the Blackford County Arts Center, 107 W. Washington St., Hartford City, or to the Hartford City Public Library 314 N. High St. Hartford City – noting: Children's department of the library.