Kathryn (Bailey) McDonald

Kathryn Bailey McDonald, age 82, of Johnson City, formerly of Erwin, passed away peacefully at her residence on Saturday, May 16, 2026. She was born and raised in Erwin to the late Jefferson “Jeff” Bailey and Dora Simmons Bailey. Kathryn lived most of her life in California before making her home in Johnson City twenty-two years ago.

Kathryn earned her Master’s Degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry. She was employed at Stanford University as a Cardiac Cath Lab Analyst. Kathryn was the first female hired by Roche as a Medical Equipment Sales Representative. She was the first female to receive the Presidential Award at Roche. Kathryn was the top sales representative for Roche for many years until her retirement. She was the President of her HOA in Johnson City for several years.

Kathryn enjoyed road trips and dinner parties with her friends. She was a very witty and intelligent woman.

In addition to her parents, Kathryn was preceded in death by her brother, Deward Bailey and her brother-in-law, Reverend Jack Byers.

Kathryn is survived by her sister, Carolyn Byers of Gettysburg, PA; sister-in-law, Faye Bailey of Erwin; niece and caregiver, Cheri Byers of Hanover, PA; nephew, Jeffrey “Jeff” Bailey (Kathy) of Franklin, TN; several great nieces and nephews also survive.

Kathryn’s inurnment service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Evergreen Mausoleum. Reverend Kevin Laws will officiate. Those wishing to attend should meet at the mausoleum by 1:50 p.m. on Friday.  

Online condolences, photos and memories may be shared with the Bailey/McDonald family at www.ledfordfuneralhomes.com 

Robert Ledford Funeral Home, 720 Ohio Avenue, Erwin, is privileged to serve the Bailey/McDonald family. (423) 743-1380

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kathryn (Bailey) McDonald, please visit our floral store.