Rita Nurkin Bailey

Rita Nurkin Bailey (formerly Rita Randall), 81, of Pine Knoll Shores, passed away peacefully with family by her side on June 6, 2026, at Duke Regional Hospital in Durham, North Carolina.

Rita was born in Durham County on April 21, 1945, to the late Leo and Nell Webster Nurkin.

She is survived by her husband, Josiah William Bailey III; her son, Jason Randall, son of John Randall, and his wife, Christina, of Durham; her stepson, Will Bailey, and his wife, Yolanda, of Costa Rica; her stepdaughter, Katherine Bailey, of Travelers Rest, South Carolina; her brother, Sidney Nurkin, and his wife, Bummie; and her grandchildren, Reign Randall and Isabella Bailey. She is also survived by Jarleth Nurkin, the first wife of her late brother, Harry Nurkin, and by his widow, Libby Nurkin.

After graduating from Durham High School in 1963, Rita earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina, and a Master of Education degree from Duke University.

Simultaneously holding the titles of World's Best Mom, Granny, Wife, Teacher, and Friend—as certified by an assortment of mugs, hats, shirts, and plaques—Rita spent her life in service to others. She dedicated 30 years of her life to education as a third-grade teacher in Durham Public Schools, spending most of her career at E.K. Powe Elementary School. She was honored as Durham City Schools Math Teacher of the Year in 1986 and was a finalist for Durham Public Schools Teacher of the Year in 1989.

Following her retirement from teaching, she continued sharing her love of learning and history by working with the Beaufort Historic Association in Beaufort, North Carolina. Over the years, she wore countless hats, doing everything from working in the gift shop to planning and leading school tours. She organized beloved events such as the Old Homes Tour and the Antiques Show and, at times, stepped in as Interim Executive Director. She developed educational programs that remain active today at the Beaufort Historic Association. No task was too small or too large; she loved every minute of it.

An avid reader, Rita found great joy in spending time at the beach with a good book and, in her younger years, loved shag dancing with friends. She enjoyed gardening and working in her yard. She was also a devoted fan of Duke athletics and faithfully supported the teams throughout her life. She was a member of the Presbyterian faith and lived her life guided by its values of faith, service, and community.

She was loved dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Association .