Mrs. Betty Lou Wells Bailey passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026, at her home in Fayetteville, TN, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on November 20, 1933, in Flintville, TN, to the late Roy Leon and Rossie Lee Counts Wells.
Betty grew up in the Flintville community and was a 1952 graduate of Flintville High School. While working in Denver, CO, she met the love of her life, Thomas E. Bailey, and they were soon married. They returned to Lincoln County in 1958, moving into the house they built together, where she resided for the rest of her life.
Betty dedicated herself to raising her family and providing them with a warm, loving home. She constantly encouraged her children to find their passions and pursue them. Long after they grew up and found their own paths, Betty continued to prioritize family gatherings, cherishing their annual summer trips together. She also deeply loved her neighbors, always welcoming them into her home, and was blessed with their enduring friendship in return.
A devoted community servant, Betty was a member of the Fayetteville First Presbyterian Church for over 60 years, where she remained deeply dedicated to its ministry. She worked in food service administration for the Fayetteville City Schools for 25 years. Additionally, she served her community as part of the Gray Lady Service at the Lincoln County Hospital, as a Cub Scout den mother, and was a proud recipient of the Boy Scouts Long Rifle Award. Her extensive volunteer work with CLEAN, Inc. earned her both the Volunteer of the Year and Loyalty Awards. Having a lifelong passion for gardening and flower arranging, Betty was also a charter member of the Stone Bridge Garden Club and served as its President in 1973.
Betty is survived by her loving sons, Mark (Jenny) Bailey of Woodinville, WA, Alan (Connie) Bailey of Shelbyville, TN, and Lynn (Michelle) Bailey of Denver, CO; her cherished grandchildren, Cooper Bailey and Makenna Bailey; and her nieces, Wendy Wells and Kim (Steve) Arnold and their families. In addition to her parents, Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas E. Bailey; her sister, Mattie Helen Wells White; and her brother, Luther David Wells.
The family will receive friends from 4 PM until 6 PM on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at Higgins Funeral Home. A private graveside service will take place at Riverview Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to First Presbyterian Church of Fayetteville at P.O. Box 472, Fayetteville, TN 37334, or a charity of your choice.
We at Higgins Funeral Home are privileged to provide comfort, care, and support to the family of Betty Lou Wells Bailey.
1 Comment To "Betty Lou Wells Bailey"
#1 Comment By Sarah Raby On May 26, 2026 @ 11:19 am
Betty was such a beautiful person inside and outside. I worked with her at Fayetteville City Schools for years. I admired her a great deal. Her family and friends have my most sincere sympathy.