Jewel Dean Bailey

Mrs. Jewel Bailey was born on April 22, 1933, in Athens, Alabama, to Alberta and Carl Sloan. At just two months old, she moved with her parents and her two older brothers, Carl Jr. and Charles, to Indianapolis, Indiana.

Jewel received her elementary education at Francis W. Parker School #56 and Hazel Hart Hendricks School #37. Her High School education was received at John Hope School #26 and Crispus Attucks High School. Upon graduation, she studied Business Law at Indiana University of Indianapolis.

Her first job was at the Radio Corporation of America (RCA), where she served as a Home Instrument Group Leader. After leaving RCA, she joined Naval Avionics as an Electronics Mechanical Engineer Assistant. In 1974, she transferred to the U.S. Army Finance and Accounting Center as a GS 3 Accounts Maintenance Clerk, beginning her federal career. Later that year she was promoted to Reports and Statistical Clerk in the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office, and in 1978 she advanced to EEO Clerk.

After completing classes, workshops, and courses in human resources, general psychology, and applied psychology, she continued advancing in her profession. Early in her career, she observed that women—especially African American women—were frequently excluded from higher-paying positions, while their white female and male counterparts had greater access. She resolved to ensure fair opportunities for these women, focusing her studies in EEO topics such as law, counseling, complaints, discrimination, and affirmative action.

In 1991, Mrs. Bailey retired from the U.S. Army Finance Center, where she had served as Federal Women’s Program Manager and Equal Employment Specialist. From 1987 to 1990, she also chaired the Black History Month Program for the U.S. Army Finance and Accounting Center. One of her most beloved guest speakers, whom attendees asked to bring back, was “Legacy Pastor” Jeffrey A. Johnson Sr.

Jewel accepted Christ at an early age and remained a lifelong member of Eastern Star Church. Over the years, she served in many ministries, including Sunday School, the Young Adult Choir, Baptist Training Union, Young Matrons, Prayer Band, Wednesday Bible Study, New Members Follow Up, the Volunteer Ministry, Missionary, and the Hospitality Committee. She organized the Pastor’s Aid Ministry for Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson Sr. and was a founding member of the Senior Saints Ministry. You could always find her, every Sunday, in the middle aisle, fourth row—proudly displaying her love of hats!

She loved bowling, reading, and cultivating plants and flowers. She also took great pride in her great grandfather Matt Gardner’s Historical Homestead Museum.

Jewel was called home on Thursday, October 2, 2025. She was preceded in death by her father, Carl Sloan Sr.; her mother, Alberta Calvert; and her brothers Carl Jr. and Charles. She leaves to cherish her memory, daughters Susan Brown of Phoenix, AZ, and Carla Jones; three grandchildren — Fredrick Adams and Shawntelle Weber (both of Phoenix, AZ), and Donielle Neal (Andre); and five great grandchildren — Andre Neal Jr., Jeremiah Adams, Austin Neal, Niyah Adams, and Aniyah Neal. Also left to honor her memory are her beloved god sister Beautina “Tina” Robinson of Los Angeles, California; goddaughter Christy Johnson; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and her church family.

The service will also be available via live stream at [https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c25103535699555" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c25103535699555](https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c25103535699555).