Willene Faith Bay ("Lena"), daughter of the late Brand Randolph Daniels and Juretta Chrystine Daniels Pope (Owens) of Sayre, Oklahoma, passed away on July 26, 2026, at the age of 63. She was born on March 24, 1963, in Florence, South Carolina.
On December 17, 1984, in Wheeler, Texas, Lena was united in marriage to Jerry D. Bay. To this loving union, two children were born. Jerry preceded her in death on December 24, 2025.
Lena was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend. She enjoyed singing, flowers, road trips, and the beach. She also loved attending church and cherished being a mother and grandmother.
Lena was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and one brother, James Marion Daniels.
Lena is survived by her daughter, Cassie (Jesse) Smith of Abilene, Texas; her son, Cory (Priscilla) Bay of Conroe, Texas; and her three grandchildren, Olivia Bay, Zeppelin Bay, and Truman Bay. She is also survived by her siblings: Jana (Dennis) Gerst, Charlie (Elizabeth) Daniels, Dallas (Kristina) Daniels, Alta (Clifford) Brown, and Lewis (Aimee) Pope.
Lena was a beautiful soul who loved beautiful things. Faith was not only her middle name but also the foundation of her life. She lived by an unshakable faith in God. God blessed her with the gift of singing, and she used that gift to glorify Him throughout her life. Pastor Morton often spoke of the first time he heard Mom's voice. The last song Mom sang from her hospital bed was Goodness of God.
Lena also made a lasting impact on her students during her more than 22 years as a paraprofessional at Moorehead Junior High School. She formed a special friendship with Dolores Gomez Delacruz and her daughter, Elizabeth, who remained faithfully by Lena's side until her passing.
Lena was surrounded by amazing women who loved, cared for, and supported one another. They will continue to share memories of her life and mourn her passing because that reflects who Lena was. Just as her name means "light," she brought light into the lives of everyone she met. May we let our own light shine as brightly as hers did every day for Christ.
A Memorial Gathering will be held at Metcalf Funeral Directors, 1801 E. White Oak Terrace, Conroe, Texas 77304, on August 14, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. Lena will be laid to rest at Bay Cemetery in Bunker, Missouri.
