Nelle Rousseau Bailey

Nelle Rousseau Bailey died peacefully at the Oaks at Mayview after an extended illness on October 11, 2010. She was born October 24, 1924 to Judge Julius A. Rousseau and Gertrude Hall Rousseau in North Wilkesboro, NC. Nelle was a graduate of St. Mary’s and Greensboro College. She was married to James Ruffin Bailey for almost 60 years until his death in December 2004. She was predeceased by their son, James Ruffin Bailey, Jr. and one sister, Nancy Rousseau Kern.

Mrs. Bailey is survived by her daughter Jane R. Bailey, Raleigh; daughter-in-law Betty W. Bailey, Raleigh; grandchildren Laura Bailey Thornton and husband Ted, Leland, NC; Elizabeth Bailey Ham and husband Matt, Wilmington; James Ruffin Bailey, III and wife Libby, Kansas City, Kansas; 2 great grandsons, Matthew Derrick Ham, Jr. and Cooper James Thornton; one sister, Frances Rousseau Alspaugh and husband Frank, Richmond, Va.; one brother Judge J.A. Rousseau and wife Mary Gary, Wilkesboro, NC, along with a host of cousins, nephews, nieces, grand nephews and nieces.

Nelle was an active member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, the Altar Guild and the church women’s group. As a long time volunteer for Meals on Wheels, she was honored to be named a Volunteer of the Year. She was a life member of the Sir Walter Cabinet, member of the Wake County Bar Auxiliary, Raleigh Woman’s Club, The Town and Country Garden Club, the Stratford Book Club and the Bridge Club.

Nelle had such a caring, giving heart. Nelle always put the welfare of other’s first and she supported her family in every aspect of their lives.

Nelle enjoyed her neighbors in the Hayes Barton area and also loved her apartment and friends at Whitaker Glen.

Special thanks to the entire staff of Mayview, especially Station 2 for their loving, devoted care during Nelle’s stay. In addition, special thanks to the staff of Hospice of Wake County.

A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd, 125 Hillsborough Street, at 11:00am, Saturday, October 16, 2010 with a visitation to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd, Shepherd’s Vision Fund, P.O. Box 28024, Raleigh, NC, 27611, Meals on Wheels, 1001 Blair Dr, Raleigh, NC 27603 or Hospice of Wake County, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC, 27607.

Written and audio memorials may be made at www.brownwynne.com.