Barbara Jean Bennett Hailey

Barbara Jean Bennett Hailey, 83, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 17, 2013. She was born in Altavista, Virginia on April 19, 1929 and was the daughter of Mae Stone Bennett and Albert Lloyd Bennett, Sr. She is preceded in death by her husband Oscar Cedric Hailey, Sr, a son Stephen Anthony Hailey and a sister, Genevee B. Hayden. Barbara was a faithful servant in her church, sharing her music and her love of children with the church family. She sang for many weddings and funerals with her beautiful solo voice. She worked at two of the local drugstores and greeted every person she encountered with a smile and positive outlook on life. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and will be missed by all who knew her. Barbara is survived by her daughter Ellie Hailey Fitzgerald and husband Spencer of Rocky Mount, NC, sons Michael Wayne Hailey and wife Loretta of Halifax, VA, Gregory Allen Hailey and wife Silvana of South Boston, VA, Oscar Cedric Hailey, Jr. and wife Ann of Colleysville, Texas. Grandchildren, Josh Hailey of Durham, NC, Katie Wilson and husband Jamie of Shelby, NC, Micah Basiti and husband Nick of North Richland Hills, TX, Shawn Hailey and wife Trish of Roxboro, NC, Aaron Hailey of Plano, TX, Caleb Hailey of Colleyville, TX, Kyle Hailey and wife Amy of Vernon Hill, VA, Megan Fitzgerald of Wilmington, NC and Alissa Hailey of Harrisonburg, VA. Great grandchildren, Madison Hailey of South Boston, VA, Jack and Ella Roark of North Richland Hills, TX, Carson Basiti of North Richland Hills, TX. Brothers, Albert Lloyd Bennett, Jr., of Franklinton, NC, Milas Bennett of Thomson, GA and David Bennett and wife Margaret of Thomson, GA and other cousins, nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held at Ash Avenue Baptist Church, South Boston, VA on Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 2:00 pm with Rev John Eure officiating. Visitation with family and friends will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Flowers are welcome or donations can be made in memory of Barbara to Ash Avenue Baptist Church, 900 Ash Ave., South Boston, VA 24592. The family would like to extend a thank you to the staff at Autumn Leaves in Grapevine, Texas for their love, care and compassion in caring for Barbara.