Willie Jean Bailey

She was born in Taylorsville, North Carolina, on the 17th of March 1930, where she was the eldest daughter of 15 siblings to the late Chouncie and Pansy Howell.

Mrs. Bailey earned her undergraduate degree from North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, North Carolina where she met and married Melbourne C. Bailey on the 30th of August, 1953. After relocating to New York City she worked for the Department of Social Services for more than 30 years serving as a supervisor for a number of years before retiring.

She was a former member of Bronx Baptist Church in New York. After returning to Charlotte, NC, she joined Hillcrest Baptist Church serving faithfully on various committees.

Preceding her in death are her husband, Melbourne C. Bailey, Sr.; son, Melbourne C. Bailey, Jr.; her parents, Chouncie and Pansy Howell; four brother, six sisters, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She leaves to cherish her memory her two children: Andre R. Bailey (Diane) of Charlotte, NC and Gwinett E. Hosang (Audi) of Marlboro, NY; grandchildren: Jamall Bailey, Tiffany Rich, La Tiqua Smith, Jenelle Shirley and Daniel Hosang; several great-grandchildren; three brothers: James C. Howell (Peggy) of Newton, NC, David L. Howell of Jupiter, FL and Harold L. Howell (Judy) of Taylorsville, NC; one sister, Cathy H. Riggins (Robert) of Loris, SC and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The family will greet friends on Saturday, the 1st of November, 2025 from 12:00 Noon until 1:00 PM at McEwen Funerals & Cremations at Forest Lawn West. A service to celebrate the life of Mrs. Bailey will follow in the Chapel. Entombment will be in the Forest Lawn West Mausoleum.