2003 Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame Inductee
Category: MULTIPLE SPORTS
Parents: Clifton and Linda Turner
Husband: Lee A. Bailey
Daughter: Alexandra Son: Lee, II
Brothers: Eric and Jason
Renee is a product of Flint’s south side, where she attended Scott Elementary, Whittier Junior High and graduated from Flint Central High School.
Renee’s sports career began at a very young age. She completed in track in AAU as a member of the Motor City Track Club, and ran as a member of the Flint Track Club.
In the 1977 Flint Olympian Games, Renee set a record of 58.7 for the 440-yard dash, and won the 110 yard hurdles on the way to being selected best city’performer. In the 1978 Canusa Games, she was named co-winner of the Harold Webster Memorial I Trophy as the best track contestant.
At Central High School, Renee earned 11 letters: three in track, two in tennis, three in basketball and three in cheerleading.
In track, she was a City Champion in the 11 O-yard hurdles, posting a time of 14.9. She won the long jump with a jump of 17’2″ and the 220-yarddash in a time of26.3. Renee also helped Central win the 440 relay, as well as the 880 relay in a meet record of 1 :44.2. She was a Saginaw Valley Champion in the hurdles, 100 and 220-yard dashes, and as a member of the 880 and 440 relay teams. In the Class A Regional finals, Renee lowered the hurdles record to 14.7.
In 1977, Renee led Central to its first girl’s track State Championship, scoring or assisting in scoring in 21 of the team’s 33 points. She was an individual champion in the 110-yardhurdles, with a time ofI4.1. She also ran the first leg of the 440 relay that placed third in the state, she placed fifth in the 220- yard dash finals, and ran the first leg of the 880 state champion relay team that won with a state record ofl :41.6. Also on that relay team were Robin Flynn, Nancy Nard and Demetria Fulgham. Renee was named most valuable on the Flint Central Track Team at the awards \Janquet.
While at Central, Renee was the first female to win the Red and Black Award that is given to the outstanding senior athlete at Central High School. She was also Senior Class President, a member of the National Honor Society and graduated with High Distinction.
After graduating from Central, Renee went on to the University of Michigan, on track and academic scholarships. She lettered for four year, and was captain of the U ofM women’s track team her junior and senior years. While at U ofM, Renee was a member of the 4×200 relay team (along with Cathy Sharpe, Lorrie Thornton and Brenda Kazinec), which set a U ofM field house record. The 800-metermedley relay team also won a Big Ten Championship, and set a record in that event that still stands today. The U ofM team placed second in the Big Ten Championships in 1981.
Renee has worked for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan as a benefits consultant for the International Union, UAW, and is currently Manager of Healthcare Quality, Communications and Policy in Ford Motor Company’s Healthcare Management Division.
