Virginia Owen Tyree Bailey

ROCKY MOUNT - Virginia Owen Tyree Bailey, age 96, passed away peacefully at Brookdale (formerly Sterling House of Rocky Mount) on Monday, January 29, 2018, following years of declining health due to Alzheimer's. Virginia was born an identical twin and daughter of James Thomas Tyree and Bessie Carrington Owen Tyree. The twins, Virginia and Mary Scott were born at the home of their maternal grandparents, Charles and Rosa Owen in Weldon, NC on July 28, 1921. Due to their premature birth, the twins were placed in dresser drawers lined with blankets, serving as an incubator until they were strong enough to return to Rocky Mount six weeks later. Virginia was preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Robert White Bailey "Red"; and her daughter, Scott Tyree Bailey. Virginia attended school in Rocky Mount and graduated from Rocky Mount High School. She went to Women's College (UNCG) and Flora McDonald in Red Springs, NC. She worked as a Secretary at China American and Liggett and Myers Tobacco Companies. In April, 1947, she married Red. He was the love of her life! In June, 1951, their only child, Scott Tyree Bailey, was born and they were devoted and loving parents to her. "Scott Baby" was severely disabled and lived at Caswell Center in Kinston, NC as well as residing with them. Virginia and Red became strong advocates for Caswell and the children that lived there. She also started "Operation Santa Claus" in Rocky Mount for at risk children to make sure they had Christmas gifts. Virginia championed Mental Health Awareness and received the North Carolina Eastern Mental Health Region Outstanding Volunteer Award. She was a member of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America in the State of North Carolina. She was a long time devoted member of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Rocky Mount. Virginia will be remembered for her infectious laugh, wonderful smile and her generous personality. She was truly "A Southern Belle". She and Red were known for their love of dancing and "cutting a rug with their jitterbug". She enjoyed traveling extensively but she loved to relax at their home in Aydlett, NC and showed such gracious hospitality to friends and family who visited the coast. Virginia is survived by her twin sister, Mary Scott Tyree Evans Hughes and her husband, Dr. Jack Hughes of Durham, NC, and sister, Jean Carrington Tyree Poston of Hickory, NC; her niece and Goddaughter, Scottie Evans Chastain of Tega Cay, SC; and nephews, Robert Lewis Poston, Jr. of Bellhaven, NC, Clark Owen Poston of Newport, RI, and James Tyree Poston of Hickory, NC; other nieces and nephews by marriage and multiple great nieces and nephews. A Family Graveside Service will be held on Friday, February 9, 2018 at 11:30 AM at Pineview Cemetery. A Celebration of Virginias Life will be held on Friday, February 9, 2018 at 2:00 PM at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 301 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount with Father George Greer officiating. Family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Commons Area of St. Andrews Episcopal Church. The family is so appreciative for the love and support shown to her by her niece, Jane Morgan Snow; her caregivers, Tammy Hoback, Gloria Graham, Tammy Leonard, Annette Moody, Joyce Morsy, Linda Flora, and Natachia Whitaker; her faithful friend, Earl Sharpe; Hospice of Nash Health Care; and the staff at Brookdale. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Duke Eye Center, 710 W. Main St., Ste. 200, Durham, NC 27701 re Dr. Sharon Fekrat's Research Fund on diagnosing Alzheimer's through eye imaging. Please write in the memo line: memory of Mrs. Virginia Tyree Bailey; or Caswell Development Center, 2415 W. Vernon Ave., Kinston, NC 28504; or St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 301 S. Circle Dr. Rocky Mount, NC 27804; or the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com. Visitation Location Not Available Friday 2/9, 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm Family will receive friends from 1:00 PM to 1:45 PM prior to the service in the Commons Area of St. Andrews Episcopal Church. Service St. Andrew's Episcopal Church 301 S. Circle Drive Rocky Mount, NC 27804 ID ) ); ?>"> --> 252-443-2070 --> | Friday 2/9, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm A Celebration of Virginias Life will be held on Friday, February 9, 2018 at 2:00 PM at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 301 S. Circle Drive, Rocky Mount with Father George Greer officiating. Cemetery Pineview Cemetery 761 N. Raleigh Road Rocky Mount, NC 27801 Friday 2/9, 11:30 am - 11:45 am A Family Graveside Service will be held on Friday, February 9, 2018 at 11:30 AM at Pineview Cemetery with Father George Greer officiating.