Eula Eyvonne Bailey

My Life Well Lived

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness…”2 Timothy 4:7–8

Eula Eyvonne Bailey

Eula Eyvonne Bailey peacefully entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 12:48 p.m., in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the love of her family after a courageous journey with a long illness. Although her earthly journey has ended, the love she shared, the lives she touched, and the memories she created will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Eyvonne, as she was affectionately known by many, was born on January 10, 1947, to the late Howard and Novella Hocutt Bailey. She was the oldest child born into a loving family and embraced the role of a sister, daughter, mother, and caregiver throughout her life.

Eyvonne had a heart that was as big as her smile. She never met a stranger, and before long, strangers became friends and friends became family. Her home was a place where everyone felt welcome. There was always room at her table, another plate to prepare, another story to tell, and another reason to laugh.

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family with all her heart. Nothing brought her more happiness than gathering everyone together for a home-cooked meal, watching the grandchildren play, sharing stories, and simply being surrounded by the people she loved. Many children lovingly called her “Mom” because she opened not only her home but also her heart to anyone who needed love, encouragement, or a listening ear.

Eyvonne believed that food brought people together. She found great joy in cooking large family dinners, firing up the grill, and making sure no one ever left her home hungry. She enjoyed tending to her beautiful flowers, relaxing with word search puzzles, and sharing laughter and conversations with family and friends. Her quick wit, wonderful sense of humor, beautiful smile, and warm embrace made every visit special.

Eyvonne was a graduate of Richard B. Harrison High School in Selma, North Carolina. Shortly after graduation, she moved to Brooklyn, New York, where she lived for more than 25 years. During her years in New York, she continued to pursue personal growth and attended technical school, earning a degree in accounting.

After returning home to North Carolina, Eyvonne continued to demonstrate her strong work ethic and dedication. She was employed by Northern Telecom, Shall Cross, KFC, Walmart, and Dollar Tree. She also returned home to assist and care for her parents, showing the love and devotion that reflected the caring heart she carried throughout her life.

Eyvonne loved the Lord and her faith was a strong foundation. At an early age, she joined White Oak Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Middlesex, North Carolina. Later, she moved her membership to Temple City Church in Selma, North Carolina, where she continued her walk of faith. She lived her faith through kindness, generosity, love, and service to others.

Eyvonne was especially devoted to her siblings and treasured the close relationships she shared with her family. She loved her sister, her brothers, her aunts, uncles, cousins, and countless relatives and friends. Family meant everything to her, and she made sure they always knew they were loved.

Even during her illness, Eyvonne continued to think of others before herself. With remarkable strength and selflessness, she thoughtfully made her final arrangements in advance, giving her family the precious gift of peace during a difficult time. This was one final expression of the love and care that defined her entire life.

Eyvonne was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Novella Hocutt Bailey; four siblings, James Lee Bailey, Wilma Bailey Foye, Othell Bailey Stancil, and Lydia Esther Bailey O’Neal; and her lifelong friend, Jimmy Carney.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her loving daughter and son, Cheryl Bailey-Brooks and Steven Ulonda Bailey of the home; one sister, Teresa Bailey Watson (Mal); two brothers, Howard Bailey of Pine Level, North Carolina, and Russell Bailey of Clayton, North Carolina.

She is also survived by her aunts, Lydia Pope, Doris Hocutt of Middlesex, North Carolina, Mildred Gene Craddick of Smithfield, North Carolina, and Mildred Brown of Bailey, North Carolina; two sisters-in-law, Debra Bailey and Linda Bailey; three brothers-in-law, Mal Watson, Michael Stancil, and Robert Lee Foye; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

While her family grieves her absence, they rejoice in knowing that her suffering has ended and that she now rests peacefully in the loving arms of her Savior.

Her legacy will forever be remembered through her faith, unconditional love, generosity, laughter, wisdom, hospitality, and the many lives she touched. Her life was truly a life well lived.

She fought the good fight. She finished her course. She kept the faith.