Tonda Byars Bailey, 66, of 5504 Cannons Campground Road, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. While she no doubt rejoiced at hearing “well done, good and faithful servant,” the family she leaves behind is heartbroken by their loss.

Of all the titles and accolades that could be conferred upon her, those of wife, mama, and Gammy were the most precious. She recently celebrated 47 years with her husband, Robert Ransom “Ran” Bailey, and every day she rejoiced in the lives of her children, Cassidy Duggins (Les) and Tres Bailey (Laura). Nothing brought her more joy than her six grandchildren: Finn, Addie, and Katherine Duggins and Madeline, Abigail, and Isabelle Bailey. A quiet person by nature, she was the loudest fan in the crowd when her grandchildren were playing sports or performing. No one could brag longer or fight harder when Gammy started talking about her family.

A graduate of Broome High School, Limestone, and Converse College, Tonda was determined to use her education to make a difference in the lives of young people. She was passionate about reading, and she was committed to showing children the world through their adventures in books. For over 37 years, she touched the hearts and minds of children at Cowpens Elementary School by sharing the magic of reading and the power of having someone who cares.

Tonda was a member of Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church, where she enjoyed the fellowship of Martha Lou Blackwood’s Sunday school class and was proud to have served on the Personnel Committee that hired their current pastor. Her mission field began in her home and grew to include anyone who was ever guided by her patient teaching, touched by her genuine compassion, and supported by her tireless work.

Surviving in addition to her beloved family are a brother, Rick Byars of Pacolet; a brother-in-law, Colin Bailey (Myra) of Duncan; a sister-in-law, Treva Wagoner (Dillon), of Cowpens, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents Howard Roy Byars and Vivian Smith Byars, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Vickie Lawson and Debra Bagwell.

The family will receive friends from 6:00PM until 8:00PM on Sunday, November 8, 2026, at Blakely Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00PM on Monday, November 9, 2026, at Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church with Reverend Bobby Morrow III and Dr. Clyde Thomas officiating. Interment will be in the Cowpens City Cemetery.

Tonda Bailey devoted her life to loving and caring for others. To continue that legacy, her family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The Dollywood Foundation, “Imagination Library,” c/o Finance Department, 111 E. Main Street, Sevierville, TN 37862, or Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1449 Gaffney, SC 29342.