Mabel Grace Byrd Bailey

MMabel Byrd Bailey, 90, peacefully died early Friday morning, March 13, 2009 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center.

She was born December 12, 1918, the daughter of the late O. M. and Grace Bowman Byrd.
Mabel was a native and lifelong resident of Kingsport and a graduate of Dobyns Bennett High School in 1938. She was the loving and devoted wife of the late J. H. Bailey, Jr. Mabel and her mother owned and operated Forest Grill Restaurant from the late 1940's until it's closing in the late 1960's.

As an active member of the community, she belonged to Waverly Road Presbyterian Church where she taught Sunday School, volunteered with the church food pantry, and participated in her local church circle. Mable is remembered as a loving, witty and compassionate family matriarch and friend who will be greatly missed.

Surviving are her daughter, Julia Bailey Daniel of Columbia, SC; grandson, Jonathan Eric Daniel and his wife Hope of Los Angeles, CA; sister-in-law, Ilanette Byrd; niece, Nancy Byrd Piercy and her husband William; nephews, Joe Byrd Jr. and his wife Anita Jo, Charles H. Byrd, Sr. and his wife Laura; great-nieces, Courtney, Margaret Anne, and Grace Byrd; great-nephews, Charles Lambert, Holloway Byrd, and William Henry Piercy, all of Jackson, TN; an aunt, Kitty Bowman of Kingsport.

The family would like to recognize Mabel's caregivers, Barbara Davidson, Sherry Castle, Missy Conley, Chris Bishop, and Marsha Vonnen. "Your love and devotion to Ms. Mabel has truly made you part of our family."

Calling hours are from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Monday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport.

Services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport with Rev. Daniel S. Clark officiating.

Burial will follow at Oak Hill Memorial Park.