NEWS

Beverly (Howard) Bailey

Mrs. Beverly Marie Howard Bailey was born on November 6, 1960 to the late James William Howard and Dovie Houston Howard. Beverly, affectionately known as Bev, was the youngest of three daughters who were all born in Mooresville and raised in Davidson. Beverly accepted Christ at an early age at Davidson Presbyterian Church.

In 1966, 6-year-old Beverly moved to Covington, Ga. to attend 1st grade at R.L. Cousins Elementary School along with her first cousin Deborah (Houston) McCall. While in Covington, Beverly and Deborah lived with their aunt, the late Frances Beale. “Aunt Frankie,” as she was known, was an educator who made sure that her young nieces received the best education available.

After completing 1st grade at RL Cousins, Beverly and Deborah returned home to Davidson, where they finished 6th grade at Davidson Elementary School. In 1973 after 6th grade when cousin Deborah’s family moved to Charlotte, Beverly returned to Covington. She fulfilled her 7th grade year at Palmer Stone Elementary School and her 8th-grade year at Cousins Middle School. Beverly went on to attend Newton County Comprehensive High School (NCCHS) in 1974. While there, she was not only a top-notch student, but also took part in many extracurricular activities, including the NCCHS Marching Band and the high school’s drill team. Beverly graduated from NCCHS in 1978. During all those school years, Beverly, though quiet and reserved, made many life-long friends due to her kind and friendly nature.

Following high school, Beverly attended college at Tennessee State University (TSU), in Nashville, Tenn., where she majored in Dental Hygiene. During her junior year at TSU, Beverly pledged Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. This sorority was very near and dear to Beverly’s heart, and down through the years, she maintained lasting friendships with many of her sorors. In 1982, Beverly completed her education at TSU, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. She obtained her license as a Dental Hygienist from the Georgia Board of Dentistry. 

In 1988, Beverly married Mr. Keith Bailey, who preceded her in death.

Beverly worked at various dental offices as a hygienist until she retired from this field due to disability in 2006. After leaving the dental field, Beverly became a caregiver to a number of family members, whom she tirelessly and compassionately aided, supported and loved with her empathetic nature, her kind-hearted demeanor, and her gentle touch.  

Beverly was a source of light. She had a soothing and calming spirit that put people at ease. Anyone blessed to know Beverly knew that her heart was golden. Her smile was huge and contagious and could light up a room. Beverly’s nature was peaceful and loving. She was at one with nature; she was in tune with all that was positive and good about this earth. Beverly was a source of love and light.

Beverly leaves to celebrate her memory two aunts Bernice Houston (Ollie) of Davidson, Ophelia Houston (Harold), Charlotte, and uncle Gerald (Mickie) Potts (Nannie) of Cornelius; and one special cousin fondly referred to as aunt because of her age, 106, aunt Corine Cannon of Kannapolis. 

Very dear to Beverly’s heart remains a devoted cousin, Deborah Houston McCall, whose love and support sustained Beverly up until her peaceful passing on July 7, 2026.  Also left to cherish her memory are a host of cousins and other relatives, sorors, and friends who will bask forever in the warm memories they have of their loved one, Beverly.

Joyously waiting to welcome Beverly into the Kingdom of Heaven are her father and mother, James (Pop) and Dovie Howard, and two sisters, Rev. Brenda Tapia and Cassandra (San) Howard, who all preceded her in death.  She will also be joined on the other side by many other family members and friends, along with the vast community of her ancestors.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Beverly (Howard) Bailey, please visit our floral store.

Services

Monday
July 20, 2026
11:00 AM to 6:00 PM
W.H. Bryant, A.E. Grier and Sons Funeral Home Chapel
1020 Briarhill Rd.
Mooresville, N.C. 28115

Tuesday
July 21, 2026
11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Davidson Presbyterian Church
214 Depot Street
Davidson, N.C. 28036

Tuesday
July 21, 2026
12:00 PM to 1:00 PM
Davidson Presbyterian Church
214 Depot Street
Davidson, N.C. 28036

Tuesday
July 21, 2026
1:00 PM
Davidson Presbyterian Church
214 Depot Street
Davidson, N.C. 28036

Tuesday
July 21, 2026
Christian Aid Society
Ridge Rd.
Davidson, N.C. 28036