Susan Elizabeth Bayliss

Susan Elizabeth Williams Bayliss, 87, passed away peacefully on February 6, 2026. She was born on April 24, 1938, to the late Edward and Vida Mae Williams and was raised in the Vine Swamp community of Kinston, North Carolina.

Susan grew up surrounded by a large and loving family and was one of eight children. Geraldine Dawson was a very special friend of 61 yrs.

She was preceded in death by her former husband, John Durante Bayliss; her brothers, Edward James “Jimmy” Williams and John and her sister, Hazel Watt.

A devoted Christian, Susan enjoyed going to church and was a member of Riverbend Baptist Church in New Bern, North Carolina for over 30 yrs. She lived in New Bern before moving to Goldsboro to be closer to her beloved daughter, Debbie Rouse and her family.

Susan worked for many years as a medical transcriptionist, a career that reflected her attention to detail, compassion, and dedication to helping others. She was known for her kindness and generosity, always willing to lend a helping hand, drive friends to doctor appointments, or simply be there when someone needed her.

She treasured her many friendships and had a warm, caring spirit that touched everyone she met. She especially loved her loyal pet, Roxy, who brought her great comfort and joy.

Susan is survived by her daughter, Debbie Rouse; her grandchildren, Michael Fleming and Crystal Fleming; her great‑grandchild, Sergio Martinez; her great‑great grandchild, Adriel Martinez; her surviving brother, Don Williams; her sisters Edna Fitzgerald, Yvonne Moore, and Mary Evans; many nieces and nephews; and many dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Her family and friends will remember her as a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, and friend whose gentle heart and servant spirit left a lasting legacy."

The family will receive friends on Monday, February 16, 2026 at Cotten Funeral Home, 2201 Neuse Blvd., New Bern, NC 28560 from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. Funeral service will follow at 1:00 pm in the Chapel with Pastor Steve Simpson officiating. She will be laid to rest beside her husband immediately following the service at Williams Family Cemetery in Kinston, NC.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Riverbend Baptist Church, UNC Chapel Hill, Lineberger Cancer Center, or the American Cancer Society, reflecting Susan's enduring commitment to her community and causes close to her heart.

Online condolences can be made to the family by visiting www.cottenfuneralhome.com.

Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Susan Elizabeth Bayliss.