Dora Bailey Grimes

Born Dora O’Neill Bailey to George Gordon and Myrtle Peel Bailey on June 29, 1925, in Everetts, NC, she quickly acquired the name “Polly” which she bore the rest of her life. Educated in the Martin County schools, she received a BA at East Carolina University. Her teaching career of 40 years spanned eastern North Carolina, ending as the braille teacher at the Governor Morehead School in Raleigh. She was an active member of Hillyer Memorial Christian Church where she ministered in countless ways, from Sunday School teacher to church hostess to Elder. She was a member of the Sir Walter Lions Club.

She was predeceased by her parents; her husband of 65 years, Ben H. Grimes; and her sister, Susan Corinne Lewis. She is survived by her son Neill Grimes (Virginia) of Memphis, TN; grandchildren Jane Oliver (Mario) of Memphis, TN, and Ben Grimes of Denver, CO; great-grandchildren Virginia Mae and Lawrence Oliver; brother George G. Bailey, Jr., (Peggy); and much-loved nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, 718 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, at 10:00 am Saturday, January 10, 2026, with reception to follow. Graveside will be held at Martin Memorial Gardens, Williamston, NC, at 2:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Hillyer Memorial Christian Church Endowment.