Obituary of Bernetta D. Bailey

On Thursday, May 25, 2023, our beloved mother Bernetta D. Bailey went home to be with the Lord. Bernetta was born to Samuel Donavon and Sadie Haskins on January 4, 1931, in Richmond, Virginia. Her sister, Lillian, was born on July 7, 1925. Bernetta was a beautiful and intelligent woman. A “modern” woman by today’s standards, not always given to convention. After graduating from Armstrong High School on June 12, 1948, she went on to attend Virginia Union University. Bernetta graduated from Virginia Union University on June 3, 1952. One of her classmates while attending Virginia Union University was Douglas Wilder who became the first African American Governor of the State of Virginia in 1990. She received a formal invitation to Governor Wilder’s Inauguration as well as his inaugural ball that she gladly accepted. While at Virginia Union University she became an active member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. After graduating from Virginia Union University, Bernetta left Virginia and headed to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to attend Temple University’s Graduate School of Business where she excelled. It was during this time that she met and later married (Dr.) Ronald Lewis. They married in 1955. It was to this union that Renee Michelle and Rhonda Annette were both born. Bernetta was a strong and brave mother who persevered through heartache and adversity all while being the best example of what a mother should be. Then our “always on time” God blessed Bernetta with meeting and marrying the love of her life, George H. Bailey. They married on April 22, 1977. Together Rev. George Bailey and Bernetta Bailey lived a life whose goal it was to honor God in all they did. That is where both of their hearts resided, in obedient ministry letting the Lord lead. Bernetta was employed for over 40 years as a Federal Employee. For the majority of those 40 years, she worked at the Department of Defense on the Base at Fort Dix, New Jersey. During these years, she received a number of awards and acknowledgements for professional accomplishments. In addition to being a dedicated and loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Bernetta LOVED to play cards, specifically Bridge and Pinochle. She was serious about her card game. Bernetta leaves to mourn her death, daughters Renee (Christopher) and Rhonda (Keith), stepson George, Jr. (Savaughn); grandchildren Christopher II (Imani), Mitchell, Jr., Sheena Renee (Brandon), Averre (Rachel), Jasmine Elyse, Gabrielle (Gregory), Laura Ann (Jason), and Anthony, Jr., 13 great grandchildren, and her three devoted nephews Albert III, (Renee), Samuel (Margie) and Ronald Mills (Phyllis). Preceding her in death are her beloved husband George, sister Lillian, stepdaughter Karen and stepson Anthony. Celebration of Life service will be held at Grace Baptist Church located at 479 Woodlane Road, Westampton, New Jersey 08060 on Saturday, June 10, 2023. The viewing will be at 10:00 AM followed by the service at 11:00 AM.