Elizabeth (Betty) Gibbs Bailey died Oct. 20 at JML Care Center in Falmouth. She was 99 and was deeply respected and loved as the matriarch of three generations. 

She was born in 1922 at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital. Her father was a lieutenant commander in the U.S. Coast Guard and the family lived on bases on Nantucket, in New London and Wilmington, N.C. As a young girl, her favorite place to spend time was Lake Tashmoo. Her family owned a small cottage on the beach with no electricity or plumbing. Betty delighted in the peaceful and unfettered way of life. 

She married Thomas Nelson in 1940 and gave birth to her first daughter, Judith Ann. Following their divorce, Betty married Warren Eldredge Bailey in 1946 and they welcomed her second daughter, Susan Elizabeth Bailey. The young family of four started their life together in Woods Hole. 

The community of Falmouth quickly became Betty’s passion and true home. For 30 years, she worked at the Harbor View Fish Market on Scranton avenue. She then enjoyed a fulfilling career at the Falmouth Chamber of Commerce until her retirement in 2014 at age 92. 

She was a member of Rainbow Girls and Eastern Star, receiving the grand cross of color in 1964. She joined the Methodist church in 1953 and was an active member of John Wesley United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school for 40 years.

After she moved into assisted living at Atria Woodbriar and JML Care Center in Falmouth, she maintained strong friendships and an active lifestyle. She was an engaging storyteller, a loyal patron at the Falmouth Dairy Queen and a formidable opponent in the game of cribbage. 

 She is survived by her brother Richard Gibbs of Colorado; daughters Susan E. Bailey of Falmouth and Judith A. Manchester of Sandwich; grandchildren Michael and Veronica Bailey of Uxbridge, Thomas and Barbara Manchester of Falmouth, Robin and James Wilson of Plymouth, Kristen and David Walsh of Plymouth, and Michelle and David Eddy of Sandwich; and 11 great-grandchildren, ranging in age from 15 to 32: Allyson Manchester, Kristen Manchester, Jacob Wilson, Zachary Wilson, Timothy Wilson, Elijah Wilson, Sean Walsh, Matthew Walsh, Cameron Quinn, Kylee Quinn and Cian Quinn.

She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur Bunker Gibbs and Helen Cleveland Swift, her brother Donald Gibbs, and her loving husband, Warren Eldredge Bailey. 

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Oct. 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Chapman Funerals & Cremations in Falmouth. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 30 at noon at John Wesley United Methodist Church in Falmouth.

Interment of her ashes will take place privately at Oak Grove Cemetery at a later date. 

Donations can be made to John Wesley United Methodist Church, 227 Gifford Street, Falmouth, MA 02540

For an online guestbook and directions, email falmouth@chapmanfuneral.com.