Gloria Bailey

Elsa Amelia Gloria S. Bailey passed away at home in Conyers on December 11, 2022. She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Chester Bailey, who passed away on August 6, 2022. Gloria is survived by their children Nadine, Gina, Jared, and Vincent and their grandchildren Roark, Matthew, and Michael. Her parents Vincent and Amalia, her three sisters Carmen, Anne, and Inez, and her brother Vincent all predeceased her. Gloria was born in the Bronx on March 31, 1928. She graduated from the Bernard Baruch School of the City University of New York, receiving a Bachelor of Business degree. Following graduation, Gloria worked for the New York Central Railroad and the Cafeteria Employees Union and was a staff member for the President of the Council of the City of New York. She was active with the Railway Business Women's Association, even corresponding with Eleanor Roosevelt on its behalf. She followed her husband to various Navy assignments, including those in Newfoundland, Canada; Newport, RI; Subic Bay, The Philippines; and Green Cove Springs, FL. Gloria was the Supervisory Administrative Officer for the Office of Naval Construction at Argentia Naval Station and Officer in Charge of Housing at Subic Bay Naval Station. She was a middle school teacher in the Jacksonville, FL school system while working on her Master's degree. Gloria also was a civil service employee for many years. Gloria and her husband also lived in the Bronx, NY; Jacksonville and Blountstown, FL; Huntsville, AL; and Valdosta and Conyers, GA. Gloria was known for her infectious laughter and beautiful smile and dimples, receiving the nickname 'Mini Haha' in her youth. Her laughter is what first drew her soon-to-be husband's attention in a chance encounter on a train. She had a warm and loving heart. Gloria sang and played the piano, and loved to listen to opera, especially Pavarotti. A devout Catholic, she served for many years as a lay reader at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Valdosta, GA. She was a founding member of the Valle D'Aosta Italian America Club and a member of the Garden Club of Georgia and the Valdosta Symphony Guild. Although raised in New York, she was renowned for her hush puppies and other Southern fare, dishes perfected at the behest of her very Southern husband. She loved PBS and everyone knew not to disturb her when she was watching one of her shows, especially those with actors with British accents. Her love and goodness remain in the hearts of all who loved her and love her still. Even missing her, her family knows that she is at peace with God, her husband, and her mother, father, and siblings. Condolences may be submitted on-line at www.scotward.com. Scot Ward Funeral Services, 699 American Legion Road, Conyers, GA 30012, 770-483-7216.

Gloria Bailey

March 31, 1928 - December 11, 2022