Tommye Jean Bailey, born September 23, 1944, passed to the other side of the veil following a long illness, on March 30, 2017. She was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to LeRoy and Tommye Jewel Anthony Myers. In addition to Oklahoma, she lived in California, North Carolina, Singapore, England, Germany, and Indonesia before moving to Murphy in 2008. Tommye was a graduate of Central State College in Edmond, Oklahoma. She spent the majority of her working life in credit union accounting and management. She retired from the Immigration and Customs Service, at the US Consulate in Frankfurt, Germany in 2007. Tommye enjoyed a most wonderful life prior to her lengthy illness, and it is her wish to be remembered in that way.

Tommye is survived by her husband of more than 41 years, Dick Bailey; one sister, Sandra Parrish, of Murphy; a sister-in-law, Nita Valade of Decatur, Texas; and a host of wonderful nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and loved ones.

A memorial service was held at 1:00 PM Monday, April 3, 2017 in the Shepherd of the Mountains Church, 68 Fairfax Lane, Murphy, NC 28906 with the Rev. Al Beck officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Tommye Jean Bailey to the Stovall Hope Foundation, PO Box 556, Clayton, GA 30525.

Ivie Funeral Home, Murphy in charge of arrangements.

Do not stand at my grave and weep

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry;

I am not there. I did not die.

Mary Elizabeth Frye