Nancy Alexander Bailey

~The Sunrise and Sunset of Nancy Conetta Alexander Bailey~

Nancy Conetta Alexander Bailey of Statesville, born on May 23, 1947, in Forsyth County, North Carolina, peacefully departed this life on April 4, 2025, at Gordon Hospice House. A cherished member of her community, Nancy leaves behind a remarkable legacy filled with accomplishments and a deep commitment to social justice.

Throughout her career, Nancy diligently served as a quality assurance inspector for Armstrong Wood Flooring, ensuring the highest standards within the industry. She was not only dedicated to her profession but was also a proud pioneer in education, being among the first African-American students to graduate from Wilkes Central Senior High School after attending Lincoln Heights School. This achievement was a testament to her lifelong advocacy for Civil Rights and equality.

Nancy's artistic talents shone brightly as a classically trained ballerina, and she showcased her skills in tap and jazz dance. Her passion for music was evident as she became a founding member of the R&B group, Sounds of Soul, in the 1960s and later established the musical group Ambassadors for Christ. Nancy continued to share her love of music with her daughter, granddaughter, and community, serving as a youth advisor for the SAME Ensemble at Shiloh AME Zion Church and later singing with the Women of Worship.

In addition to her professional and artistic endeavors, she played a steadfast role in her faith community as a valued member of Shiloh AME Zion Church, where her contributions were celebrated and deeply appreciated.

Nancy is survived by her son, Marvel Anthony Bailey (Andrea), and her daughter, Tỷana “Shelly” Bailey-Hancock (Kim), who cherish her memory and the profound impact she had on their lives. She is also survived by her bonus son, Keith Wilborn (Damarie); grandchildren Desare Bailey Smith (Dee), David Alexander Taylor, Morgan Bailey, Zarí Adia Hancock, and bonus grandchildren Brianna Yates and LinQuentin Johnson (Vale'); great-grandchildren Ryeleigh, Mitchell, Ethan, Evelyn, Kingston, and bonus greats Quincy and Ava; sister-in-law Laverne Bailey; brother- in-law Gary Bailey (LaRosa); and special cousins including Wanda Smith, Alfred Diggs, Serapher Conn Halevi, Belle Conn Martin, Brenda Matthews, Debra Conn Clarke, Asher Conn, Freddy Conn, and a host of loving nephews, nieces, and cousins.

Nancy is also survived by her special friends, including Cheryl Brimmer, who stood by her side for 71 years, and Valerie Hightower (Eric), Ken Smith, Vikki Sanders, Brenda Gail Millsaps, Susan Martin, Sarah Dodd, Celia Gentry, Mattie McClintock, and Patricia Rone.

She was preceded in death by her father, Fredrick Cecil Alexander; her mother, Dorothy Francis Conn Alexander; her former husband and friend, Velmar Bailey; her brother, Fredrick “Tommy” Alexander; her baby sister, Lenore Alexander; her great- granddaughter, Mackenzie Grace; cousin, Charles Turner; sisters-in-law Pamela Bailey Martin and Sylvia Jean Bailey; and brothers-in-law Montie Bailey, Tony Bailey, Randy Bailey, and Rufus Wilborn.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 3:00 pm at Mt. Pleasant AME Zion Church with Rev. Al Hamilton officiating. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:00 pm at the church prior to the service.

Nancy Alexander Bailey’s legacy of love, advocacy, and creativity will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will be remembered not only for her remarkable achievements but also for the warmth and joy she brought into the lives of those around her.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Nancy's caregivers, the staff of The Greens of Hickory and The Greens at Maple Leaf, as well as Gordon’s Hospice House of Statesville. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Hospice & Palliative Care of Iredell County Click here.

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bailey family.