Judith Bailey

Judith Ann Coe Bailey “Judy” passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 21, 2022. It was her 84th birthday. Judy was born July 21, 1938 in Mount Airy, NC, daughter of Henry Benton Coe and Geneva Lily Thomas Coe, both deceased. Judy is survived by  sister Sandra Coe Nichols (Phillip) of Mount Airy and preceded in death by sister Patsy Coe Parker (John) of Wichita, KS and brother Henry Luther “Sonny” Coe (Jean) of Thomasville, NC.  Judy graduated from Mount Airy High School in 1956 and from Pfeiffer College in 1960 with a degree in Business Education. At Pfeiffer she met the love of her life, Braxton R. Bailey, III “Brack”, with whom she was married 59 years, until Brack’s passing on January 2, 2021. Brack and Judy have three daughters, Carole Bailey Folmar of Advance, Debra Bailey Mitchell (Steve) of Athens, Georgia, and Krystal Bailey Pennington of Wilmington. In addition, they have nine grandchildren: Bailey Anne Folmar; David Paul Folmar, III; Paige Elizabeth Folmar; Braxton Richmond Folmar; Sophia Louise Mitchell; Ada Lily Ruth Mitchell; Phoebe Jude Mitchell; Avery Dean Pennington; and Cade Thomas Pennington.   Judy was a lifelong learner, avid reader and enthusiastic educator of all ages. Following graduation from Pfeiffer, she was a high school teacher until her marriage to Brack on December 30, 1962. She was Brack’s number one fan, traveling while he played professional baseball with the Dodgers and Cincinnati organizations until 1966. Their love for travel continued throughout their lives together, including visits to every continent and 108 countries. Upon Brack’s retirement from baseball, the couple settled in Winston-Salem where Judy taught at Draughon’s Business College and later Forsyth Technical College. They later moved to Clemmons to raise their three daughters and then to Bermuda Run.  The passion Judy had for encouraging others was evident in the energy that she poured into her children’s interests and development: leading pre-Kindergarten classes, starting a neighborhood swim team, helping to establish a high school athletic support organization, as well as the many, many years of sports events and dance recitals. Judy enjoyed the outdoors and sharing the skills she had learned in Girl Scouts as a teen. A gregarious couple, she and Brack hosted many family dinners and get-togethers with church friends and neighbors where they would share videos of their travels. In spite of her worldly experiences, Judy would describe herself as simple: she loved the beach, little children and telling a good joke.  A faithful member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Winston-Salem since 1965, Judy served in various ways over the years, including Sunday school teacher, church secretary and missionary. She and Brack made many lasting and treasured friendships at Wesley, as well as in their neighborhood. Judy will be remembered for her gentle but adventurous spirit and her love for family and friends. Special gratitude is expressed to Coastal Cove of Wilmington, Jerretta and Anika for their exceptional care and love for Judy in her final year of life. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Hayworth-Miller Kinderton Chapel.  Burial will follow in Advance United Methodist Church Cemetery.  Online condolences may be made at www.hayworth-miller.com.