Bailey, Betty Thompson

Betty J. Bailey of Fairlawn, VA passed away on January 24, 2023. She was born in Pearisburg, VA on March 12, 1950, to Oran Price and Evelyn Ann Thompson.

Betty started her employment at Virginia Tech where she met her husband, the late Arnold Bailey. Betty later began working at the Radford Arsenal where she retired. After retirement, she continued her employment by serving as a bus aide for Pulaski County Public Schools, where she worked until her recent illness.

Betty attended New River Biker Church where she had a growing relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Betty cherished Sunday meals at her mom’s and loved chatting with family and friends on the phone many times throughout the day. She was a servant, a giver, and friend to many. If she saw a need, she met it, and always with a cheerful heart. She spent her entire life putting others before herself, making sure everyone else’s needs were met even if that meant she had to do without. She found great joy in doing for others.

Along with serving others, she opened her home and became a mom to children who were not biologically her own, but she would love as if they were. The love she poured into all children was a precious gift that she willingly shared with many. This was her greatest quality.

Betty is preceded in death by her husband, Arnold Lee Bailey and her father, Oran Price Thompson. She is survived by her mom Evelyn Ann Thompson of Eggleston, VA, her four children she raised, Roy Jason Bowles, Grace Alize Cole, Christian Keith Goad, and Phoenix Rey Goad, all of Fairlawn, VA. She is also survived by her sister, Darlene Frances Straley and husband Jimmie of Troy, VA, her brothers Ray Thompson of Eggleston, VA, and William “Willie” Thompson of Pembroke, VA along with nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

There will be a memorial service at McCoy funeral home in Blacksburg, VA on Tuesday, January 31 at 11:00. Preddy’s funeral home in Gordonsville, Virginia is in charge of the arrangements.

A Betty Bailey memorial fund is being set up to make sure that Alize, Christian and Phoenix are cared for during this time of loss. So, we humbly ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to The Betty Bailey memorial fund, 215 Ordinary Way, Louisa, VA 23093