Mary Dowdy Bailes, passed away May 4, 2019 at her home.

Mrs. Bailes was preceded in death by her parents, E.P. and Clara O'Quinn Dowdy, and seven siblings: Virginia D. Ellis, Sonny Dowdy, E.P. (Pete) Dowdy, Charlie Dowdy, Frank Dowdy, Reuben Dowdy and Rebecca (Becky) D. Setzer.

Mrs. Bailes is survived by her husband of 53 years J.W. Bailes Jr and one son Jim Bailes III and wife Allison of Gibsonville, NC and one daughter, Susan Bailes Patterson of Sanford, NC. She is also survived by three grandchildren: Caman Patterson of Sanford, NC, Amanda Bailes of Gibsonville, NC and Brandon Bailes of Gibsonville, NC. Mrs. Bailes is also survived by one sister, Sally D. Haire of Thomasville, NC, a brother-in-law, C.V. and Juanita Bailes and a sister-in-law, Judy Knight, and many nieces and nephews.

She attended Sanford Central High School and Montreat College. She worked in the school system approximately 26 years.

Mary had a strong love for the Lord, her family, and friends. She was a devoted member and choir member of Buffalo Presbyterian Church where she also enjoyed attending Sunday School, Bible Study, and Circle Meetings.

The family will receive friends on Monday, May 6, 2019 from 11-12 noon at Miller-Boles Funeral Home in Sanford. A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. at Buffalo Presbyterian Church in Sanford with The Rev. Paul Shields officiating. A private family burial will be held at Pocket Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Buffalo Presbyterian Church, 1333 Carthage St., Sanford, NC 27330 or to Pocket Presbyterian Church, 669 Pocket Church Rd., Sanford, NC 27330.

Services are entrusted to Miller-Boles Funeral Home of Sanford.

https://www.bolesfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Mary-Eula-Bailes?obId=4368249