He is reunited with his mother, Paula Kay Means Bailey, who passed away in 2012. He is survived by an extended family including his father, James R. Bailey; two brothers, Avery and Dylan Bailey; grandparents, James and Mary Bailey; aunts and uncles: Ken Bailey, Greg and Lisa Means, Nancy and Ken Holley, Clay and Sheela Bailey, Brett and Adrianne Bailey, and Holly Bailey; and many cousins of the Bailey and Means families.
Other family members who dearly loved him but preceded him in death include grandparents Margie and J. L. Means and Joan and Charles Jenson.
Atticus suffered a significant brain injury at birth, resulting in cerebral palsy, and required a lifetime of care from his family, nurses, medical professionals, therapists, and friends. Despite his many challenges, Atticus had a full life and was well loved by his family and home care nurses. He touched many lives throughout life with his contagious charm, love for those around him, and tremendous smile that made his face light up when he was happy.
He so loved when his grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins would come visit, especially for birthdays and holiday celebrations. He attended the special education program in the Arlington Public Schools system, which included activities in the mainstream student population. Attending school was a big part of his life growing up and helped him live life to the fullest of his abilities. He participated in Mr. Turner’s dance team programs at Taylor Elementary School including a half time performance at a George Washington University women’s basketball game. A crowning achievement was graduating from the Stratford Program at the H. B. Woodlawn High School in Arlington, VA, making many friends along the way.
As an adult he participated in a daily program at Service Source in Springfield and Lorton, VA, whose mission is to facilitate services, resources, and partnerships to support people with disabilities. He enjoyed going on walks with his parents and nurses, watching TV with his family, and listening to music. He also enjoyed going to the beach in Lewes, DE with his family for annual vacations.
Atticus profoundly changed the lives of those he met. For those fortunate enough to get to know him, he often reminded them of what was important in life.
Much appreciation, thanks, and love go to the nurses who cared for and loved Atticus for many, many years including Mariatu Kamara, Samson Ogunjemilua, Rosilline Oyebanjo, Haja Cooper, and Mohamed Kargbo.
Visitation with the family and celebration of Atticus’s life will be held on February 17, 2023 from 6 pm to 8 pm at Murphy’s Funeral Home located at 1102 W. Broad St., Falls Church, VA 22046. Services for Atticus will be held February 18, 2023 at 10 am at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church located at 2609 Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22207. Interment will follow at St. Peter’s Pilottown Road Cemetery in Lewes, DE.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in memory of Atticus James Bailey to the Children’s National Hospital Foundation, Attention Gift Administration, 1 Inventa Place, 6th Floor West, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Phone: 301-565-8500, Website: childrensnational.org/giving/
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5