Betty Best Bailey

Betty Best Bailey 92, of Bedford, TX (formerly of Beckville, TX) passed away surrounded by her family on Monday evening March 16, 2026 after a short battle with Bulbar onset ALS. She was born December 12, 1933, to the marriage of Connie Carter (C.C.) and Agnes Eve Childress Best in Houston, TX. She graduated from Reagan High School in 1951 and went on to attend Sam Houston State University on a cello scholarship and majored in piano. She received her Bachelor of Music and Master of Education from Stephen F. Austin State University.

She met Bill her loving husband of 67 years at Sam Houston where they were both music majors and members of the band. They shared a wonderful life together in education teaching for 38 years in Beckville ISD. She began her career at Beckville ISD teaching music and eventually ended up as a 3rd grade teacher. After she retired, she continued to teach private piano lessons for 25 years. Her piano students brought her so much happiness.

She was a woman of many talents, and she loved to share these skills with others. She was an excellent seamstress and made many quilts that were donated to children’s charities to help others. Over the years she made bridal gowns, prom dresses, clothes, costumes, drapes, and bedspreads and these were made for both family and friends. Another love was crafting and she made special gifts to give her piano students each year, as well as decorations for her own home and others. She and her late husband spent countless hours keeping their yard beautiful and it brought them both so much joy. They attended church at Central Baptist in Carthage and provided special music on Sunday mornings with Betty playing the piano to accompany Bill on his saxophone.

They spent their entire married life enjoying the love and support they received from the Beckville community where they chose to build their only home. In their very later years, they moved to an Assisted Living Facility to be near their family but would only call Beckville home. They were blessed to be able to live near their only daughter and their 2 granddaughters and they were able to visit often.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill; her parents, Connie and Agnes Best; and brother-in-law Dave Gorrie. She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Meskini and husband Mohamed; precious granddaughters Amira and Rania; sister-in-law Linda Gorrie; niece LuAnne Miller and husband Keith and sons Cody and Zach Helstrom; nephew Bryan Gorrie and wife April; brother-in-law Johnny Sullivan and nephews John and partner Dan, Jeff and wife Carla and daughter Elaine, and James and wife Sam; sister Becky Sullivan; and a host of friends and former students.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Charles Dodson and Rev. Steve Jackson officiating. Interment will follow at Restland Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10-11 am prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Beckville ISD Education Foundation or St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or any charity of your choice.