Dear Highline College,

We have learned that former Highline College faculty member Edith Willametta Bailey passed away on Sept. 9, 2022, at 101 years old. On behalf of Highline College, I extend my condolences to her family, friends and former co-workers.

Mrs. Bailey received Highline’s first Outstanding Teacher of the Year award, including $1,000 and a Puget Power and Light Company plaque, at Highline’s annual spring faculty/staff luncheon in 1987.

An Oct. 9, 1987 Thunderword article on her award reads, “Bailey was selected for her outstanding concern for students’ needs, doing beyond all requirements, and also student support for her enthusiasm and campuswide faculty support.”

During her time at Highline, Mrs. Bailey helped develop module units for the college’s high school completion program as a special project. She worked in the Developmental Studies department, where students were taught to improve their basic skills, for 13 years. She retired from Highline one year after receiving the Outstanding Teacher award.

Mrs. Bailey earned her associate degree from Highline College and her bachelor’s in English and master’s in education and curriculum from the University of Washington –– all after raising her three children.

She was born in Wheatland, Wyoming, and was married to John L. Bailey for 76 years. Mrs. Bailey was preceded in death by Mr. Bailey and her great-grandson Emerson. She is survived by her three children and their spouses, six grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Bailey’s celebration of life is scheduled for Nov. 5. Instead of flowers, Mrs. Bailey’s family has requested memorial gifts be sent to Lake Burien Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund, Highline College Foundation’s Scholarship Fund, Old Grads of Wheatland High School Scholarship Committee or the Judson Park Benevolence Fund.

Sincerely,
John

John R. Mosby, Ph.D. (he, him)
President
Highline College