Jean (Withrow) Bailey

Norma Jean Withrow Bailey, age 82, of Morehead, Kentucky, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2025, at U.K.-St. Claire Medical Center in Morehead. Born April 30, 1942, in Haldeman, Kentucky, she was a daughter of the late William Earl “Crow” and Reba Lena Sparkman Withrow. 

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband Darold Rayburn Bailey Sr. whom she married on December 24, 1961; one brother, Jackie Withrow; four sisters, Wanda (Owen) Cox, Shirley (Lester) Smith, Detta Mae (Virgil) Thornsberry, and Patricia (Jimmy) Bowling; infant twin siblings; and two infant grandsons, Clifton Ray Wallace, and Zachary Dylan Bailey.

Jean is survived by one son, Darold (Kristi) Rayburn Bailey Jr.; one daughter, Kimberly (Joe) Jean Davis; nine grandchildren, Leslie (Jamie) Sherlin, Kacie (EJ) Smith, Erin (Nathan) Lands, Allison Davis, Nathan (Danielle) Davis, Chelsea Bailey, Alexis Bailey, Darold “Trey” Rayburn Bailey III, and  Emma Rose Bailey; and seventeen great-grandchildren, Lillianna, Abbigale, Emelia, Jase, Will, Eldon, Amos, Bailey, Brenham, Noah, Brecken, Emery, Hudson, Charlie, Ruby Moon, Miller, and Joseph.

Other survivors include two brothers, Earl Bud (Ruth) Withrow, of Avilla, Indiana, Donnie (Millie) Withrow, of Olive Hill, Kentucky; one sister, Janet (Garry) Glover, of Morehead, and one sister-in-law, Deloris Thomas, of Morehead; a host of loved nieces and nephews; and a special Shih-Tzu sidekick Scamp.

Jean was a devoted public servant, serving the citizens of Rowan County for decades. She had only one job her whole life, serving the citizens of Rowan County, in the Rowan County Clerk's Office. She started working for the then County Clerk, Ottis Elam as a senior in High School in 1960. She continued her work in the clerk’s office until she decided to run for office in 1977. Jean won her first election bid and took office in 1978. She would go on to win every election she ran in until she retired in 2014. For well over 50 years, she was dedicated to not just a job, but a calling that she approached with integrity, humility, and a heart full of compassion for the people she served. 

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jean lived to serve her family. The love, compassion, and selflessness she had for her family was the foundation upon which her family was built. She made every effort to create cherished memories that will last a lifetime. One of her most beloved traditions was taking her grandchildren to Carter Caves every fall break, where memories were made, laughter was heard, and love was kindled. 

As the matriarch of the Bailey family, Jean leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and devotion that will live on in the lives of each of her family members. Jean was so proud of her family and counted herself blessed. She held true to a quote that meant a lot to her, displayed in her home above the bookshelf in the great room: “Family forever, for always & no matter what.” 

Funeral mass will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Jesus Our Savior Catholic Church with Father Ronald Sagum officiating.  
Pallbearers:  Nathan Davis, Trey Bailey, Nathan Lands, E.J. Smith, Jamie Sherling, and Trevor Stephens

Visitation will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at Northcut & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com 

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