Joyce Bailey, a lifelong educator whose career spanned four decades of service to Vermont’s youth, passed away on April 5, 2026, at Chestnut Place in Berlin, Vermont, at the age of 94. Formerly of Newbury, she had most recently resided in Barre. Born on January 27, 1932, in Woodsville, New Hampshire, she was the beloved daughter of Elmer and Alice (Dodge) Bailey.

Miss Bailey’s commitment to learning began early. Following her graduation from Newbury High School in 1949, she attended Lyndon Teachers College. She took great pride in being a member of the college's first four-year graduating class in education, receiving her degree in 1953. This milestone marked the beginning of a distinguished professional journey dedicated to the development of young minds.

Her teaching career commenced in Newport, Vermont, where she taught elementary students for nine years. In 1963, she returned to her roots to join the faculty of Newbury Elementary School. For the next 31 years, she served as a steady and inspiring presence in the classroom until her retirement in 1994. Throughout her tenure, she remained a dedicated advocate for her profession as a member of both the Vermont Education Association and the National Education Association.

Outside the classroom, Joyce was deeply invested in the life of her community. A faithful member of the Newbury Congregational Church, she served as a substitute Sunday School teacher and was a valued participant in the Women’s Fellowship. Her love for literature led her to serve as a Trustee of the Tenney Memorial Library in Newbury, where she continued to volunteer her time long after her formal term ended. In her leisure time, she found joy in the quiet challenge of complex puzzles and cherished the memories made traveling extensively across the United States and Canada alongside her brother.

Joyce leaves behind a family who will remember her for her steadfastness and kindness. She is survived by her brothers, Charles H. Bailey of Barre, and Sidney J. Bailey and his wife, Linda, of South Barre. She also leaves behind her nephew, Michael Bailey of Williamstown; her niece, Kathleen Bailey of Barre; her great-nephews, James Bailey of Bethlehem, New Hampshire, and Jacob and Joshua Melendy of Barre; and her great-niece, Emily Pierce.

A funeral service in celebration of Joyce’s life will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Ricker Funeral Home & Cremation Care, located at 1 Birch Street, Woodsville, New Hampshire. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at the Oxbow Cemetery in Newbury, Vermont.