09/09/2026
May she rest in the peace of Christ.
Rebecca "Becky" Audrey Bailey
18 September 1938– 02 September 2026
Rebecca Audrey Bailey, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, at the age of 87. She was born September 18, 1938, in Plattsburgh, New York, to Winfred Ellsworth and Belva Bernice Collins. The oldest of six children, Becky grew up with a strong sense of family and a generous heart.
On August 4, 1962, she married Staff Sergeant Kurmit Bailey in Lyon Mountain, New York. Because of Kurmit’s service in the United States Air Force, they made their home in many places, including New York, Illinois, Michigan, Texas, and Germany. Through every move, Becky made a home wherever her family was.
Becky was a woman of deep generosity and simple faith. She did not have a lot, but she freely shared what she had. “God gave it to me so I could share,” she would say. She supported Cullman Caring for Kids, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Veterans, and the Catholic Church. Her faith was lived not only in words, but in the kindness and generosity she showed others.
Becky brought joy wherever she went. She was always singing and dancing around the house, and Elvis Presley was a particular favorite. His songs could often be heard playing throughout the house, especially at Christmas. She made the best chili, loved watching Gunsmoke—especially Matt Dillon—and would often say, “He’s so handsome,” followed by, “He’s an icon.”
She had a wonderful sense of humor and was never afraid to speak her mind. Becky was an enthusiastic “people watcher” and loved commenting on people’s clothing choices—sometimes a little too loudly. When her daughter Lisa would remind her, “Mom, they can hear you,” she would simply reply, “No, they can’t.”
Her home was always a welcoming place. As children, her family never went hungry. There was always a big breakfast before school and supper waiting when they came home, and their friends were always welcome around the table. She even passed along little treasures of wisdom, like her favorite inexpensive sweet treat: a slice of bread with a little water and sugar sprinkled on top. To them, it was delicious.
Becky's laughter was one of her greatest gifts. When someone once asked her, “Why are you always laughing?” she simply replied, “It’s better than crying.” Those words became her life’s motto. She chose joy, laughter, and love, even when life was difficult. That joyful spirit and her ability to make others smile will remain part of her family’s legacy for generations to come.
Becky loved her family dearly—and, of course, she had a special place in her heart for her beloved cat, Sambo.
She is survived by her daughter, Lisa (Ken) Bennett; her son, Bill (Connie) Bailey; and her son-in-law, Larry Swearingen. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Abigail Bennett, Gabrielle Bennett, Chelsey (Blake) Gammon, and Maggie (Aaron) Reyling; and her great-grandchildren, Fisher Gammon, Shepard Gammon, Tripp Reyling, and Sawyer Reyling.
She is also survived by her siblings, Retta (Bob) Breyette, Mary LaMore, Nate Collins, and Ann Rounds; and her brother-in-law, John Hekl.
Rebecca was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Debbie Swearingen, and her sister, Linda Hekl.
Becky's life was a beautiful reminder that we do not need to have much to give much. She gave through her kindness, her laughter, her faith, her generosity, and the warm welcome she extended to others. She trusted that what God had given her was meant to be shared—and she lived that belief every day.
May she now rest in the loving arms of the God she served and trusted. May perpetual light shine upon her, and may the joy and laughter she shared so freely continue to live in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Arrangements follow:
All services at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
Tuesday, September 08, 2026
5:30 p.m. - Reception of the Body
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 pm Visitation with the Bennett Family
7:30 p.m. – Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Wednesday, September 09, 2026
10:00 a.m. - Mass of Christian Burial
Burial to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery
Eternal rest grant unto Becky, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul, and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
