Elaine T. Baillie (Lainie) entered into her eternal rest on December 30, 2024 in Southern Pines. She was surrounded by her family in the final weeks and celebrated Christmas with kids and grandkids from near and far. She was a foundational resident of Southern Pines for over 60 years, born in NYC, growing up in Connecticut, and moving to Southern Pines in 1963.
She is survived by three daughters- Beth Jordan (Chris Jordan), Diane Tate (Brian Parker), and Christy McKinney (Brian McKinney); one bonus son, Jamaan Bailey, Sr. (Jodie Mills); three step children from her late husband Robert Baillie- Robbie Baillie (Karen Smeets), David Baillie (Jennifer Robinson), Tracy Leibov (Rich Leibov) and eleven grandchildren: Mimi Bordeaux, Tyler Jordan, Jamaan Bailey Jr., Xayda Bailey, Zion Bailey, Jodie Baillie, Megan Baillie, Sierra Leibov, Jaxon Leibov, Darcy Baillie, and Daphne Baillie. Ms. Baillie was predeceased by her two sisters, Dee Dee deSibour from Blue Hill, ME and Gay Duncan from Aberdeen, NC.
Her passions included wild songbird cultivation and the local chapter of the American Needlepoint Guild. She had an insatiable green thumb with special focus on raising orchids and was an avid supporter of the Sandhills Orchid Society. She never passed a plant, whether potted or in the ground, that she didn’t stop to prune or admire, and listening to and identifying the calls of songbirds always brought a smile to her heartespecially bluebirds.
She was an active philanthropist, supporting organizations and causes that are related to the nurturing and education of children, bettering the lives of animals, and the beautification of the landscape of Southern Pines. Mrs. Baillie volunteered for many years at The O’Neal School in the learning center and has served on the Boards of and/or has been a dedicated patron of Sandhills Children’s Center, Prancing Horse Therapeutic Riding Center, Sandhills Classical Christian School, as well as MIRA Foundation USA and Vision 4 Moore, which she co-founded with her late husband Robert A. Baillie.
Most recently she was honored with the dedication of the Southern Pines Elaine T. Baillie Skatepark located at Memorial Park in Southern Pines. She was so pleased to see the culmination of the 20+ years of effort to create a lasting space for the people of Southern Pines by the Skaters for Moore Foundation, founded by William Dean II, owner of Flowland in Aberdeen.
The family would like to send their deepest gratitude and love to the staff of Aegis Home Care, DaVita dialysis Southern Pines, Belle Meade, and First Health Palliative, PT, and hospice for the caring and loving way they stood by her in her final two years. She was able to keep her independence and agency as you lovingly supported her and the family can never thank you enough for that kindness. She respected and loved all of her angels deeply.
There will be a memorial service at a later date. The family asks that donations be made, in lieu of flowers, to MIRA Foundation USA and the Skaters for Moore Foundation.
Online condolences may be made at www.bolesfuneralhome.com.
Services are entrusted to Boles Funeral Home.
