Nettie M. Bailey

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With hearts anchored in faith and gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the homegoing of Nettie Mae Bailey, 91, of Willow Spring, North Carolina, who entered eternal rest peacefully on March 29, 2026, in Bowie, Maryland, after a long and courageous journey with dementia.

Born on June 11, 1934, in North Carolina, to Joseph Miles Bailey and Hattie Mae King Bailey, Nettie was a woman of quiet strength, gentle grace, and unwavering kindness. Her life was a reflection of love in action—extended freely to all who knew her.

She earned a bachelor’s degree at North Carolina Central University and a master’s degree at East Carolina University in Library Science. Nettie devoted her life’s work to shaping young minds as a librarian at Zebulon High School, where her patience, wisdom, and steady spirit left a lasting impact.

A faithful servant of God, Nettie found joy in teaching Sunday school and uplifting others through her ministry. She was a devoted member of Bazzel Creek Baptist and Elevation Baptist Church, where her presence and spirit were a blessing to many.

Nettie expressed her love through simple, meaningful acts—gardening, caring for her beloved mother and father, and carrying herself with elegance and grace. She had an eye for beauty, a heart for service, and a soul rooted in family and faith. Her cherished words, “love you more,” will forever echo in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

She leaves to treasure her memory her loving daughter and son-in-law, Emilda and Edward Rivers; her grandchildren, Bionca Booker, Dr. Emerald Jenkins (Jamal) and Dr. Endya Rivers; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Bailey Jenkins, beloved nieces, nephews, and sisters-in-law, and a host of extended family and friends who were touched by her warmth and light.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Miles Sr. and Hattie Mae King Bailey, and her brothers, William, Joseph, Milton, and Jimmie Bailey.

Though she has laid down her earthly burdens, we rejoice in knowing she now rests in the presence of the Lord, reunited in peace and everlasting love.

A celebration of life will be held on April 7, 2026, at 12:00 noon at Lea Funeral Home in Raleigh, North Carolina. A visitation will be held from 11:30 AM - 12:00 PM, preceding the service. The interment will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park, Raleigh, NC.  

The family kindly requests that you consider making donations to the angels that cared for her in last years and final days and moments of life (Ms. Jean, Ms. Courage and Ms. Wanita). Please contact Dr. Endya Rivers to obtain their information.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nettie M. Bailey, please visit our floral store.