Annette Lee Bailey

Annette Lee Bailey, 68, has found joy in being pain free and at peace in the loving arms of her savior, Jesus Christ. She will find comfort in joining her parents, Robert Lee and Anne Bailey, in heaven. Born on June 30, 1958, Annette slipped away quietly on September 19, 2026. Left to celebrate her life are her sister, Nina Bailey, of Owasso, Oklahoma, and her niece, Jennifer Gooding, also of Owasso. Annette is also survived by a great nephew, a great niece, and two cousins.

All of her life, Annette shared her strong Christian faith with those around her. As a young child, she was a proud member of Courtland Baptist Church where her father served as minister. Wherever Annette lived or worked, she established strong relationships with her fellow Christians and made lasting friendships. She enjoyed helping with the singles ministry, singing in the choir, and playing in the handbell choir. As an accomplished member of the Handbell Musicians of America, Annette had the privilege of traveling to numerous places including London where she performed for Queen Elizabeth and to the White House where she performed for President George H.W. Bush.

In 1979, Annette received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina. After graduation, she remained a strong supporter of Meredith serving on the Alumnae Board of Directors as both a Member at Large and a Regional Director. For 45 years, she served her class as gift agent and never missed an Alumnae Reunion Weekend. Her dedication to Meredith included the establishment of the Annette Bailey Scholarship Endowment Fund, designed to support undergraduates majoring in either economics or math. Her generosity led to her membership in several giving societies at Meredith including the Lanneau Society, Stringfield Society, Iris Society, and the Onyx Society. Annette also received a Master of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1991.

Among her career achievements, Annette was proud to have established the universal website for Holiday Inn. While working with them, she enjoyed traveling to 38 different countries.

Annette found great joy in creating needlework art. Many of her projects were presented to family and friends as gifts. Additionally, she often presented her work for sale at craft shows. Along with her crafting, Annette also found great joy in reading and spending time with her many friends.

Please join Annette’s family in a celebration of her life at Derbyshire Baptist Church on Monday, October 19th at 2 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to Derbyshire Baptist Church or Meredith College.