Betty Gardner Bailey

Betty Gardner Bailey, age 100, of 713 Highland Avenue, Bluefield, WV, died on Monday January 16, 2023 at Westwood Center in Bluefield, VA. Born November 16, 1922, the only child of the late Joseph Mahood Bailey and Fannie Kate Gardner Bailey. She was a great-granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Charles R. Crockett, recognized as Bluefield’s first doctor and among earliest residents. A long-time member and Elder of First Presbyterian Church, she served in various capacities on committees of the church and the Presbytery of West Virginia. A graduate of Beaver High School and Bluefield College, she earned a Baccalaureate Degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1982. Her unique career encompassed Executive Secretary positions with corporate chairmen and presidents, including the late Armstrong R. Matthews of Pocahontas Fuel/Consolidated Coal, Equibark, National Steel and T. Mellon & Sons in Pittsburgh. From the late 60’s until retirement, she was associated with the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation, where as Secretary and Assistant Treasurer, she was the first woman in Pittsburgh elected to an office with a major charitable foundation. Among her chief affiliations were board memberships with the Women’s Center and Shelter, the Historical Society of Western Pennsylvania and a founding member of the Pittsburgh Executive Women’s Council. Upon retirement she returned to Bluefield and restored the century-old family home for a residence. Service in the community included Chairmanship of the City of Bluefield Cemetery Commission, President of the A. R. Matthews Foundation, Board Member and Chairman of the Grans Committee of the Community Foundation of the Virginias, President of the McGuffey Book Club, and Board Member of the WOA Humanities Council. She was a 50-year member of the John Chapman Chapter, National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution. Mrs. Bailey is survived by one cousin, Mrs. Sidney G. Johnson of Greenville, NC. Funeral services will be held on Saturday January 21, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church at 10:00 a.m. with Craig Hammond officiating. Visitation will be held on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until the service hour. Burial will be at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Bluefield. In lieu of flowers, it was Ms. Bailey’s wish that donations be made to First Presbyterian Church. Those wishing to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting www.MercerFuneralHome.com Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family Betty Gardner Bailey.

Betty Gardner Bailey

November 16, 1922 - January 16, 2023