Betty Lee Bailey, 72, of Wilmington, NC, formerly of Sharps, VA, died Friday, March 9, 2012 at her home
Betty Lee Bailey was born on December 20, 1939 in Richmond County, VA to the late Hodie I. Bailey and Viola Newton-Bailey. She was the 10th born of twelve brothers and sisters and the youngest girl. Betty joined Mulberry Baptist Church at an early age and accepted Christ. After graduating from Richmond County High School in 1958, Betty moved to Long Island, New York. She worked for and retired from the State of New York after over 22 years of faithful service as a Physician Assistant at Pilgrim State Psychiatric Hospital.
After moving to New York, Betty married and had 6 children. She was an outstanding mother, raising her children as a single parent. Those that knew her well knew she had a deep passion for her children and their well being and provided them with a great childhood and a good start to life. Betty dedicated her life to being a mother. Many times she went without so her children could have what they needed. As a young mother, Betty was a devoted den mother to the Boy Scouts and gave hundreds of hours of her time by volunteering at the elementary and middle schools. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren as well. “Nan”, as she is known to her grandchildren, was always fun to be around.
Betty moved to Florida in 1992 which she made her home. She loved working in her yard and was known in her neighborhood as the lady with the beautiful yard.
Betty was a person with a big, caring heart. Everyone that met her loved her right away. She liked to travel and loved attending the Bailey-Newton Family Reunions. She also loved music and liked to dance. Betty also had a love for sweets, especially peanut M&M’s.
She is survived by her children Roland (Debbie) Gillard of Casselberry, FL; Andre Gillard of Long Island, NY; Viola Lynn (George) Gillard-Gibbs of Wilmington, NC; Karen Gillard of Atlanta, GA; Traci Parker of Apopka, FL; and Kelli Parker of Casselberry, FL; a devoted son-in-law, Vincent Rountree; 13 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 1 granddaughter in-law, her siblings, Julia (Bill)Bowler of Philadelphia, PA; Ethel Green of Longwood, FL, Margaret McEachern and Viola Jones of York, PA, Sylvester Bailey and Franklin Bailey of Warsaw, VA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and a life-long friend, Rae Walton. Betty’s very dedicated granddaughter, Toni, was not just a grandchild to her Nan, but became one of her caregivers. Toni was always there to make sure her Nan had everything she needed and made sure she was always well cared for and comfortable. She is preceded in death by both parents, Hodie I. Bailey and Viola Newton-Bailey, 4 brothers, Hodie, Howard, Larry and Judson Bailey, 1 sister, Grace Harris and a special aunt, Ella Veney.
A memorial service will be held at 2 pm Sunday at Providence Missionary Baptist Church, Old Highway 17, Leland, NC.
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Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington,NC 28403 910.791.9099
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