March 27, 2011

“May the work I’ve done speak for me.”

Mrs. Gladys G. Bailey quietly went home to be with her Lord on March 27, 2011. She was born Dec. 9, 1927 in Surry County, Va., to Mable Davis Patterson and Wilson Patterson. She graduated from Hayden High School, Franklin, Va., taking major courses in marketing. She was united in matrimony to Saul June Bailey on Sept. 10, 1949.

Gladys retired from Leggett Department Store after 24 years of service and was a faithful member of East End Baptist Church. She loved her church and served in many capacities. She was a Deaconess Emeritus, Junior Matron, a member of the Senior Choir and the Voices of Praise. She was an active member of The Order of the Eastern Stars, and a member of the Philos Sorority. She was a volunteer for more than 15 years with the retired and senior volunteers for Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, namely Suffolk Meals on Wheels, Sentara Obici Hospital, Salvation Army and the American Cancer Society’s Suffolk Rockin’ Relay For Life. She was a past member of the American Business Women Association and a past member of the Green Thumb Garden. She also received the Silver Lifetime membership in the NAACP.

She touched the lives of many and was loved by all. She was soft-spoken, kind, gentle and compassionate. Her family, church and doing for others were her constant care and concern.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Saul June Bailey, two sons, Ronnie (Terry), of Greensboro, N.C., and Leon (Addie), of Carrollton, Va.; a beloved brother, Booker Patterson, of Ivor, Va.; three sisters-in-law, Betty Jean (Ivan), Jenny (Melvin) and Brenda (Matthew), and Randall (Ann); four grandchildren that she loved very much, Tiffani (William), Ronnie T., Shawn (Shanell) and Antwan; a very special goddaughter, Stephanie Turner Mebane (Ed), of Evansville, Ind.; 13 great-grandchildren; her pride and joy were her nieces, Easter (Larry), Linda (Arthur), D. Annette, Natalie and Ursula; and many aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

Mrs. Bailey will be on view from noon to 6 p.m., and a wake service will be held from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday, March 30 in the Rev. Melvin R. Boone Chapel of the funeral home. A funeral service in memory of Ms. Bailey will take place at noon, Thursday, March 31 at East End Baptist Church and she will be laid to rest at Nansemond Suffolk Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy, cards of condolence and flowers may be extended to the family at www.cookeovertonfuneralhome.com.