Mattie Eunice Bailey

Mrs. Herald Kern Bailey, 103, of Charlotte, North Carolina, formerly of Ashland, Kentucky, died on November 9, 2012 at Sardis Oaks.

Mrs. Bailey was born on June 1, 1909 in Blaine, KY, a daughter of the late Oscar B. Kazee and Hattie Sparks Kazee. She married her hero and love of her life Herald Kern Bailey on December 20, 1930. She lived with and helped her husband’s parents while he was in Medical School until his Junior year when she joined him in Louisville, KY. An accomplished seamstress, she found work in a shirt factory. She loved and excelled at the traditional homemaking skills of sewing, cooking, decorating, needlework, etc.

Dr. and Mrs. Bailey had their first child, a daughter, Marjorie Lee Bailey Daugherty on September 3, 1933. This was quickly followed by a son, Robert Harold Bailey on March 26, 1934.

Through her husband’s career she was the “wind in his sails” and complete comforter in his long hours as a General Practice M.D. One of her proudest moments was when the Harvard Dames had as their guest Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt while Dr. Bailey pursued his M.P.H. She, the unsophisticated young woman from Kentucky, was asked to and given the honor of pouring tea for Mrs. Roosevelt. Another proud moment came when she became a charter member of what was called then the Medical Auxiliary in Ashland, KY.

Mrs. Bailey is survived by daughter Marjorie and her husband, Harry K. Daugherty, M.D. of Charlotte, NC, her son Robert and his wife, Sue Bailey of Charlotte. Grandchildren include Leslee K. Daugherty and her husband, Roger Gilmartin of Charlotte, Harry K. Daugherty, Jr., M.D. and his wife, Lisa of Boones Mill, VA, Robert H. Bailey, Jr. and his wife, Jenny of Plumtree, NC, Susan M. Bailey of Charlotte, J.R. Bailey of Charlotte and Jeff Bailey and his wife, Lisa of Pageland, SC.

Mrs. Bailey was happy to live to see great-grandchildren Matthew Daugherty Gilmartin and Jonathan Daugherty Gilmartin of Charlotte, Wyatt Morgan Bailey and Matalyn Rose Bailey of Pageland, SC, Christopher Joshua Bailey of Plumtree, NC and Harry Dalton Daugherty and Grace Ann Daugherty of Boones Mill, VA.

There will be a private family farewell at Harry & Bryant. Burial will take place at Rose Hill Burial Park, Ashland, Kentucky, where she will finally rest by her husband and “hero.”

The family wishes to thank Sardis Oaks for their care of Mrs. Bailey over the last four years.

Memorials for those who wish may be sent to First Baptist Church of Cannonsburg, 11512 Midland Trail Road, Ashland, KY 41102.