Mrs. Bette Ruth Higgins Bailey, age 82, Jonesborough, passed away Tuesday, October 25, 2016 at Four Oaks Healthcare Center.
Mrs. Bailey was born and raised in Erwin, TN and moved to Jonesborough after her marriage. She was the daughter of the late Claude & Bessie Elizabeth Harris. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Earnest Bailey, nine brothers and sisters.
She was a member of Cherry Grove Baptist Church.
Mrs. Bailey retired from David Crockett High School after 35 years of service. Bette loved working around the students, she said they kept her young. She loved baking and sharing her pies and cakes with friends and family.
Survivors include two daughters, Claudia Beth Donald and her husband Larry Mark and Karen Joann Henson; four grandchildren, Jeremy Henson, Jordan Henson, Matthew Donald and Summer Donald; sister, Dixie Higgins Killen; and several nephews, nieces and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted 8:00 pm Thursday, October 27, 2016 at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home with Rev. Reece Harris officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm Thursday prior to service.
Interment services will be conducted 11:00 am Friday, October 28, 2016 at Cherokee Baptist Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be family & friends.
10/30/2016
Leslie Taylor Tittle
I want to say Ms. Bette will
truly be missed. She was a kind
soul and helped me daily during
lunch at Crockett. I was on
reduced lunch and we had to show
a card. At that age kids are
insecure so instead of others
seeing my card I'd pay full
price. She took me to the side
and told me she'd ring it up
from then on and I didn't have
to show my card. She also would
have my burnt pizza I liked and
my peanut butter cup already on
my tray waiting for me. My mom
worked with her some when she'd
sub for someone and she helped
mom get used to things there.
Besides all of that kindness she
was always there to help me when
I was having a bad day. Ms.
Bette gave me great advice and
lifted my spirits. I've thought
about her often through the
years and now she's with Jesus
continuing to be an angel as she
was for me on earth. For her
family I'm sorry for your loss.
I know you're proud of the life
she lived. She made a huge
difference in mine. I will
always miss her.
10/30/2016
Judy Austin Hensley
I am so sorry for the loss of your mother,Claudia.
Karen,so sorry for the loss of your Mother. she was
such a wonderful person..prayers for you and your
family.
10/28/2016
Phoebe Peterson
Aunt Betty was always so happy, down to earth and beautiful.
She gave of herself to everyone and enjoyed life. I hope to do
as well. She's with Earnest now and many others. We'll all
miss her. A light has gone out.
10/27/2016
Geri Bailey. Amy and Bryson
Words cannot begin to express the sadness we feel
in our heart with the passing of Bette. She was a
wonderful, caring, and thoughtful person, always
going out of her way to stay in touch. She loved
her precious family, her church, and her many
friends. We love you, Bette, our Special Aunt and
Sister-in-law. My brother loved you dearly, so now
you have join him in Heaven. To Claudia and
Karen, and the Grandchildren, we love you and are
sorry for the loss of this precious loved one.
Betty was always so kind to me. If I saw her out and about
grocery shopping, etc. she went out of her way to speak to and
always ask about my parents before their passing. Praying for
the family.
