Mrs. Otris Bettye Faye Sharpe Bailey, 96, of 797 Eufola Road, Statesville, N.C., was born in Olin, N.C., on November 6, 1929, and was the daughter of the late Sam Sharpe and Annie Steele Sharpe. She peacefully entered into eternal rest on Monday, November 17, 2025, at her home surrounded by family.

She was employed by the North Carolina Cooperative Administration at North Carolina State University as a Program Assistant for the Nutrition Education Program. She was a member of Bethel United Congregational Church, and at the time of her death, she was attending Clark’s Chapel Baptist Church.

She was united in marriage to Otis Barron Bailey Sr., who preceded her in death. In addition to her husband, she was also preceded in death by two daughters, Stephanie Bailey and Darnell Bailey; and a son-in-law, Harry Morrison.

Mrs. Bailey’s active involvement with her family, church and community was all encompassing. As the Valedictorian of the Morningside High School, Class of 1948, she soon after married her loving husband, Otis Bailey. Together they glorified in family and welcoming six children to their lives.

Once all her children entered school, Mrs. Bailey accepted employment at the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service at NC State, as a program assistant, specializing in food and nutrition. Her passions included learning about and sharing her love of gardening and food preservation.

As a very young person, Mrs. Bailey was appointed Deaconess at St. John Baptist Church and took those responsibilities seriously, later training other women about the role of Deaconess.

Throughout most of her life, she directed the Vacation Bible School each summer while mentoring others to follow suit. Mrs. Bailey coordinated the local 4-H Club, teaching lifelong skills, Christian values, self-awareness and healthy living habits. As a member of the Bethel Congregational Senior Choir, one of Mrs. Bailey’s strongest wishes was to acquire robes for the choir. Mission accomplished!

Every night on bended knee, her greatest joy was praising and thanking God, and watching her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren flourish and following their dreams. Very early in their lives, they were taught to recite, “I am the head, and not the tail.” Mrs. Bailey leaves to her loving family a strong lasting legacy of her love for Christ, praying without ceasing and never giving up.

She leaves to cherish the memory of her life six children, Faye B. Morrison of Statesville, Dale B. Brooks of Winston-Salem, Otis B. Bailey Jr. of Clayton, Indiana, Cheryl B. Graham of the home, Ronald W. (Jerilyn) Bailey Sr. of Huntersville, and Lee N. Bailey Sr. of Statesville; nine grandchildren, Typhany Morrison-Brooks (Theodore), Keith Morrison, Nicholas Bailey, Ronald Bailey Jr., Stephen Bailey, Norrel Bailey, Tayroy Holland, Samantha Bailey and Christian Bailey; three great grandchildren, Tanner Brooks, Titus Brooks, Carmen Bailey Graylon Bailey, Giuliana Bailey, Isabel Bailey and Zayn Bailey; a special family friend, Peggy Bailey Summers; and other relatives and friends.

Celebration of Life Services will be conducted Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 12 noon at Clark’s Chapel Baptist Church. Rev. Dr. Dietrich Morrison Danner, Pastor, will officiate and burial will follow in The Belmont Cemetery.

Mrs. Bailey will remain at Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home until taken to the church to lie in state at 10:30 a.m. Members of the family will receive friends at the church from 11 a.m. until 12 noon, but will assemble at the residence at other times.

In addition to flowers, donations may be made in her memory to: Clark’s Chapel Baptist Church, 806 Eufola Road, Statesville, NC, 28677 or Bethel United Congregational Church, 327 East Turner Street, Statesville, NC, 28677.

Visit the Book of Memories for Mrs. Bailey at www.rutledgeandbigham.com.

Rutledge and Bigham Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Otris Bettye Faye Sharpe Bailey.