Bernice Bailey

Bernice Lanelle Hayes Bailey, of Covington, passed away Friday, September 27, 2024, at the age of 90. Mrs. Bailey was born September 30, 1933, to Jane West Hayes in Doles, Georgia (near Cordele) and was the oldest of two children. She moved to Griffin, GA, around 1941, where she graduated from Griffin High School before attending St. Joseph School of Nursing. Mrs. Bailey married Clayton W. Bailey, Sr., on May 30, 1953, and together they moved to Salem Community. She gave birth to her son, Clayton (Clay) W. Bailey, Jr., in 1955 and later to her daughter, Betty Bailey, in 1962. The family then moved to Covington, GA, in 1963. Mrs. Bailey worked for Newton County Hospital as an OR and ER Nurse in the late 1950s and then changed to working in the back office for Drs. Paty, Callaway, and Purcell for several years before moving to work for Dr. Tommy Crews. She worked for Dr. Robert Faulkner and finally returned to work for Dr. E. J. Callaway.

 In late 1980 she left Nursing and opened a custom drapery shop 'Drapes by Bernice' off the square in Covington. Besides doing drapery for many Covington and surrounding area homes, Mrs. Bailey was the drapery provider for the TV series 'In the Heat of the Night' beginning with the first episode.

 After closing the drapery shop, she took courses and became a para-professional with Newton County School System working with Special Needs Children until her retirement in June 2007. In 2008 Mrs. Bailey became a volunteer with the Community Food Pantry and later became the Manager, a position she filled until her death.

 Mrs. Bailey was active in church her whole adult life. Early on she was a member of the newly founded Canaan Missionary Baptist Church in the Salem Community then with Calvary Baptist Church in Covington. Next, she was active in the Porterdale Baptist Church and then to the Porterdale Presbyterian Church, finally coming to the First Presbyterian Church of Covington where she was an active member from 2008 until her death.

 At the First Presbyterian Church of Covington, Mrs. Bailey served as an Elder, volunteered at the Community Food Pantry and was a member of the Presbyterian Women's Circle. In the community, she was a member of the Pilot Club, and for many years she participated in Fund Raisers such as the Annual American Heart Association Nurses vs Doctors Basketball games, Band Boosters, Assistant Cub Scout Den Mother, Girl Scouts Assistant, troop leader, and many others.

 She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Clayton W. Bailey, Sr., mother, Jane West Stone; and brother, William (Billy) Hayes.

 She is survived by: her son Clay Bailey(Kim), her daughter Betty Bailey, grandsons Trey Bailey and Charlie Bailey, nephew William Hayes, Jr and niece Cathy Hayes

 A celebration of life for Mrs. Bailey, will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 11 AM, at First Presbyterian Church Covington, 1169 Clark St SW, Covington, GA 30014, with Rev. Neeley Rentz Lane officiating. A time of visitation and light refreshments will immediately follow the service in the church fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary donation to The Community Food Pantry or First Presbyterian Church of Covington in her name.