Betty Bailey

December 20, 1939 - March 9, 2012
Betty Bailey

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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.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington,NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • December 15, 2012
    Karen says:
    I love you mom...i love you.

  • March 09, 2021
    Karen Gillard says:
    MoM there is so much I want to tell you, so much I want to show you. I am you lol, I see that but you were such a strong woman, I am honored to have traits like you. I am strong and that is because of you. I walk with my chin up and I walk in truth because I had a strong MoM. I miss you so much and want to pick up the phone and call you but I have to stop myself. I know the pain you suffered before you passed and I know the hurt. I love you Mommy. I remember. I remember

  • August 02, 2012
    Jessica Gillard says:
    Nan, You have been on my mind heavily. I saw a Hyundai Sante Fe that looked just like yours the other day. It was driving right in front of me. Even though I knew it was not you in that car, for a moment, I felt like you were right there. I could see you so clearly driving behind the wheel. It was such a powerful moment for me to feel as if you were still on this earth. I even saw a picture of our house in Apopka online today. I could picture you standing in the kitchen window, peeking outside, wondering why someone was taking a picture of your house. I guess I just want to say that I still see you vividly everyday, in my memories and in my dreams. I miss you so much Nan. I love you to the moon and back.

  • March 10, 2012
    Andre Gillard says:
    Mom,thank you for everything...you are my wind beneath my wings...I love you..I will treasure the short time god has allowed me to have with you..although we think we have a life time,it really is just a blink of the eye..I have comfort in knowing that you are with god,and that I will see you again...rest in peace ,and know that we are all ok .... Your loving son, Andre

  • March 10, 2012
    Viola Lynn Gillard says:
    Dearest Mother; Although this seemed to be a long journey the time that we spent could never be long enough, I feel like it was just yesterday that you came to live with me; what a blessing to be able to care for you at the weakest point of your life. I will never ever forget you. Mom I know that you are still with me and you will always remain in my heart. I thank God for him keeping you and never leaving you. I also thank God for keeping me and giving me the strength to care for you. I will see you again. Love you always, Your First daughter.