Betty Kye Bailey

Mrs. Betty Louise Kye Bailey, also known as “Ma,” 92, of Winston-Salem, NC, passed away at home on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Betty was born in Winnabow, NC, to the late Thelma Reid Kye on September 22, 1933. She grew up in Tobaccoville, NC, where she graduated from Old Richmond School in 1951. She started playing on the varsity basketball team in the 8th grade. In her senior year, they won all of their games. She loved playing basketball and treasured those special years and wonderful people. In her later years, she enjoyed watching the Yukon women’s basketball team. She met her lifetime love, Buck Saunders Bailey, when they were neighbors in downtown Winston and were blissfully married for 63 precious years. They were side by side from mowing the yard, gardening, or washing dishes. They treasured each moment together, including many family trips, even if it was to Kernersville; it was special just being together. She grew up at Tabernacle Church, where she played the piano, taught Sunday School, and said her wedding vows to Buck. Betty and Buck were members of Oaklawn Baptist Church, where they enjoyed supporting the youth group on trips to Caswell and other adventures.

She worked for Baptist Hospital in the accounting department and operated the switchboard. She retired from the City of Winston-Salem after 33 years of clerical work. Mom rode her bicycle until she was 80 years old. Her grandchildren, Miranda Louise and Bailey Scott, were her heart, as she supported them in attending their events and cared for them in many ways. She wrote countless encouraging cards to family and friends. She loved the Lord, her Bible, church, family, and friends. She loved celebrating special holidays and was generous to everyone. She had a magical way of making everyone feel loved.

Along with her parents, and loving husband Buck, Betty is preceded in death by her brothers, Wiburn Eugene Kye, Bobby Gray Kye, Alton Reid Kye. She is survived by her daughter, who loved her very much, Mitzi Louise Bailey Williams, and husband Aaron; grandchildren Miranda Louise Williams and Bailey Williams; her brother Brigadier General Hoyal B. Kye USAF Ret., of Charlotte; nieces and nephews, and lots of lifelong friends.

Betty enjoyed lots of phone conversations with her sister-in-law, Ruby Whitley, Kirk Whitley, Karen Kye, and many others. She was a bright light in this world to many and was a caregiver to her family and friends. Mom and Dad enjoyed Tuesdays with their precious friends, Brian & Deborah Smith. They brought an assortment of delicious meals and lots of love.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, January 18, at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. A visitation will be held at Hayworth-Miller an hour prior to the service at Hayworth-Miller. A Celebration of Life reception and fellowship will follow the funeral at the Robert F. Miller Center afterwards. There will be a livestream available for the 2 pm funeral service. The graveside burial will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 20, at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens, 3250 High Point Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27107.

Mom’s favorite color was pink, and her favorite holiday was Valentine’s Day. She was thankful for America and our troops, so feel free to wear pink or red, white, and blue to her services.

Betty’s favorite Bible verse was Psalm 19:14: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.” We will miss her daily, but we know she is with Jesus and Daddy. She had unending love and lived a beautiful Christian life. Her love is stamped on our hearts forever. God is so good.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tabernacle Church, 4495 Kenleigh Forest Road, Tobaccoville, NC, 27050. A special thanks to Medi Home Hospice for providing excellent care and her precious caregiver, Melissa.