Betsy Rae Kelley Bailey

Betsy Rae Kelley Bailey

Betsy Kelley Bailey Obituary

Visit the Smith Funeral & Cremation Service website to view the full obituary.

Betsy Rae Kelley Bailey, age 76, passed away on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. She is preceded in death by her grandparents Frank P. and Elizabeth Ragland Esary and parents Russell D. and Mildred Esary Kelley. Betsy was a proud graduate of Rule High School, class of 1967. She was a beloved member of the Eagleton Ballfield community and a substitute with Blount County Schools. Except for math, she refused to teach math. Betsy is survived by her husband of 43 years, Jerry Bailey; her children, Steven (Belinda) Barbee, Christopher (Shannon) Bailey, Mindy (Joel) Stooksbury; brother, Rusty (Shelby) Kelley; beloved nieces Kristy Olivarri and Jenny Roberts, and her sweet Morkie, Baby. Betsy was exceedingly proud of her grandchildren, Abram, Emily, Alex, Ava, Mikayahu, Makayla, Adrionna, and Soren. The family will have a private graveside, because she said so. Condolences may be shared through Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Smith Funeral & Cremation Service

1402 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37803

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