Founder of CAAC and Jefferson Award Winner Joan Wheaton Bailey dies at 95

Joan Wheaton Bailey

August 26, 1929 – September 25, 2024

Mrs. Joan Wheaton Bailey, affectionately known as “Go Go,” of Charleston, SC, formerly of Lake Wylie, SC, passed away Wednesday, September 25, 2024, in Charleston, SC.

She was born in 1929, to Florence and Dr. Harry Whitney Wheaton.  Dr. Wheaton died on the operating table when she was only 12.  She attended Notre Dame Preparatory School where she credited her Nuns with helping rebuild her life after the loss of her Father. Go-Go attended Salisbury State College in hopes of becoming a doctor. That dream morphed into becoming an Autopsy Photographer at Johns Hopkins Hospital.  She had her own darkroom and not only did autopsy and organ photographs but took pictures of visiting dignitaries.

Joan and her husband of over 50 years “Pop Pop” John Maurice Bailey, met on a blind date. Maury was a plus 3 handicap golfer who won countless tournaments during his lifetime. He taught Joan to play golf. She won the handicap tournament at Hillendale Country Club in Maryland, which began her life- long love of golf. While at Hillendale, the entire family won their club championships and were featured in the local Baltimore Sun Newspaper.  The Bailey family moved every few years living in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Michigan and last lived together in the River Hills Community on Lake Wylie. They were founding members of the River Hills Community Church (CCLW) and the River Hills Country Club. Joan and Maury started the Clover Caring Center, now called the Clover Area Assistance Center (CAAC). Joan was an avid golfer, on both the tennis team and golf team, but her passion was helping others.

As a volunteer on the Missions Committee at River Hills Community Church (CCLW), Joan started the Clover Caring Center when a family lost everything in a fire. She asked for donations from the community and that gesture grew to serving families in Clover and Rock Hill. The church built a shed where folks would donate gently used items. The Caring Center got it’s first home in Clover providing food, clothing, financial assistance, and even Santa Claus for the children whose families were clients of the Caring Center. Joan and Maury donated their time for over 30 years along with countless other volunteers.

In 1989, Joan won a coveted Jefferson Award (started by Jaqueline Kennedy Onassis) locally on WBTV and went on to win the National Award for “Outstanding Public Service benefiting local Communities” and was recognized In Washington DC at the Supreme Court along with Janetta Sagon of Amnesty International, Chief Justice Brennan and Steven Jobs. She was also honored by the SC House for her outstanding volunteerism. After getting her award she was invited to speak at the Notre Dame Graduation by that same Sister Mary Margaret who helped “Go Go” when her Father Dr. Wheaton died.

In 2007, a few years after Maury died, Joan moved to Bishop Gadsden Retirement Community in Charleston.  She and her dog Sophia loved their new life. Joan was recognized once again for her help running Aliza’s attic with proceeds from all the sales going to the residence assistance living program. Joan loved to play bridge and spend time with friends and family at The Pub.

Joan “Go Go” is preceded in death by her husband, John Maurice Bailey, her granddaughter, Jordan Berkley Sowell, her sister, Patricia Wheaton Matthews, her brother Harry Whitney Wheaton, her father, Dr. Harry Whitney Wheaton, her mother, Florence Adele Horn Wheaton, and her beloved cousins, George Horn, Toby Horn and Suzanne Duckworth.

Go-Go will be missed by her daughter, Jan Bailey Sowell (John), granddaughter, Jessica Bailey Sowell, son, John Maurice Bailey, Jr., grandson, Griffin and granddaughter, Megan Bailey.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., at The Community Church at Lake Wylie, 104 Hamilton’s Ferry Road, Lake Wylie, SC followed by a Celebration of Life at the home of John and Jan Bailey Sowell.  The graveside will be private.

M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, Lake Wylie, SC is serving the family of Mrs. Bailey.

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