William "Bill" Artis Bailey

• Born: Aug. 10, 1927
• Died: Dec. 28, 1995
• Buried: Bailey Family Cemetery, Johnston, NC
• Married: Thelma Mae Bailey on March 11, 1967, in Dillon, SC

William "Bill" Artis Bailey was born Aug. 10, 1927, and died Dec. 28, 1995. He married Thelma Mae Bailey on March 11, 1967, in Dillon, SC.

William "Bill" Artis Bailey and Thelma Mae Bailey shared a life deeply rooted in family, community, and the rural landscape of North Carolina. Their marriage, beginning in 1967, brought together two individuals who found companionship and built a home amidst personal and shared histories.

Early Lives

William "Bill" Artis Bailey was born on August 10, 1927, the ninth of eleven children born to Delia and Radford Bailey. His siblings included an infant son (died 1911), Annie, Tempie Esker, Sallie Pearl, Beulah, Rector, Sudie, Archie Radford, Delia Lois, and Johnny Fletcher. Bill found formal schooling unappealing, finishing only the fourth grade, and instead stayed home to work on the family farm alongside his mother, Delia.

Thelma Mae Bailey was born on April 8, 1928, in Wilson County, North Carolina, the youngest of five children to Jefferson Hadley and Pearly Bunn Bailey. She grew up on a family tobacco farm in the Old Field Township of Wilson County and graduated from Rock Ridge High School. Her first job was at Bissette's Drug Store in Wilson, followed by work for Lawyers in Smithfield. Thelma was first married to Warren Denton, and they had a daughter, Pamela Joy, though this marriage later ended.

Building a Life Together

Bill and Thelma's paths crossed in 1966 at the Brookhaven store, which Thelma owned, located at Parkers Island near the Sims community. Their courtship led them to Dillon, South Carolina—a popular elopement destination for many relatives—where they married on March 11, 1967. They purchased a new house together, and Bill embraced his role as a step-father to Pamela Joy Denton.

Bill worked in construction as a heavy equipment operator. Thelma, a talented and accomplished seamstress, sewed elaborate dresses for Pam, including her prom dress. She was also an excellent cook, known for her delicious fried chicken, cubed steak, and biscuits, which were a daily staple. Thelma maintained a large vegetable garden, from which she froze many vegetables.

In 1973, their home faced an unusual challenge when Wilson County decided to build a reservoir in its path. Resourcefully, Bill and Thelma's house was physically jacked up and moved about a mile up the road to a new location.

Thelma also worked at Devil Dog, a garment factory, where her sister-in-law Sallie Bailey Davis was also employed. Outside of work and home, Thelma enjoyed reading and staying current with news, subscribing to both the Wilson Times and the Kenly News. She was a fan of country music, with George Strait being a particular favorite; the movie Pure Country, inspired by his life, was a cherished watch. Her cannot-miss TV program was JAG.

Later Years and Legacy

Bill smoked throughout his life and was diagnosed with throat cancer. Initially, the prognosis was good, and he responded positively to treatment. However, the cancer later spread to his bones. Bill passed away on December 28, 1995, and was laid to rest in the Bailey Family Cemetery in Johnston, North Carolina.

After Bill's passing, Thelma continued to live a full and engaged life. She adored animals, caring for many dogs and cats over the years, including her last dog, a small blackish-brown fice named Squeaky, and her last house cat, Lucky, a short-haired gray tabby. A testament to her love for her feline companions, she once made a full recovery after a beloved cat bit her, leading to a hospital stay, with all quickly forgiven.

Thelma was a faithful member of Mt. Zion Free Will Baptist Church and was known for her dedication to visiting family and friends. She was a frequent, cherished visitor at the nursing home where her sister-in-law Sudie resided, and she also regularly stopped to visit sister-in-law Lois and brother-in-law Fletcher. She greeted everyone with a cheerful word and a ready smile.

In 2003, Thelma successfully battled leukemia. However, in April 2008, she became ill again and was admitted to Wilson Medical Center. Doctors discovered she had Lymphoma. Despite initial optimism that she could overcome this illness too, Thelma was sadly never able to leave the hospital.

Thelma passed away on June 12, 2008, and was buried beside her beloved husband, Bill, in the Bailey Family Cemetery. She leaves behind a profound legacy of love and unwavering care for others, remembered by her family and friends for her kind spirit and cherished visits.