Janice Faye Reese Bailey

On March 5th, 2026, Janice Faye Reese Bailey went home to be with the Lord at the age of 83. She was born on June 18th, 1942, in Taylorsville, NC to the late Cletus B. Reese and Lena Sue Thomas Reese Beard. Janice was preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law, Rick Yates.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Ronald B. Bailey of Hickory. She is also survived by her three children: Terri (Joe) Hartley, Rhonda (Jeff) Huffman, and Angie Yates; seven grandchildren: Nichalas Hartley, Nathaniel (Alicia) Hartley, Christina (Chad) Matthews, Jonathon Hartley, Casey Huffman, Alex Miller, and Darby Yates; seven great grandchildren including Adalyn Miller; her only sister and brother-in-law Glenda and Jimmie White; special niece Yalanda (Todd) Lail, special nephew Lance (MaryAnne) White and numerous other nieces and nephews. She leaves behind a special caregiver, Tina Bing.

For almost 30 years, Janice taught the 3-year-old preschool class at The Learning Tree School in Hickory and retired from there. She was a member of Lakeview Baptist Church where she taught GAs, VBS, and worked with the Helping Hands ministry. Janice had a strong faith that grounded her as she walked through life with contagious positivity and joy. She was beautiful, inside and out, and ensured all were included, especially when it came time to eat! Janice was an exceptional cook who showed her love by feeding you. She enjoyed being outside in nature, tending to her flowers or tanning in the sun. She loved to spend time in the mountains of NC and the beaches of SC, but her favorite place was “God’s country” aka Alexander County, NC.

Funeral services will be held at Drum Funeral Home on Sunday, March 15th at 2:00pm with Pastor Troy Grant officiating. Following the service, family and friends will receive at Drum Funeral Home. Janice loved the color red, and we invite you to wear it at the service in her memory.

Condolences may be sent to the Bailey family at www.drumfh-hickory.com

Drum Funeral Home in Hickory is honored to be serving the Bailey family.