Ella Mae “Sweets” Bailey

Ella Mae “Sweets” Bailey, 89, a 45-year resident of Friendswood, TX, passed away April 11, 2023 in Friendswood, TX. She was born on October 28, 1933 in Newport News, VA. Ella was a devoted homemaker and school bus driver for Friendswood ISD and attended New Covenant Christian Church in Houston, TX. She was a member of Bay Oaks Country Club “B.O.O.B.S” along with her husband Arcelious Bailey, Sr.

She reunites with her loving husband of 62 years, Arcelious Bailey, Sr.; parents Willie W. and Blanche L. Wilson; sister, Pauline Jackson; brothers: Roy L. Wilson, and Walter Wilson.

Ella enjoyed gardening and preparing wonderful meals for family gatherings and the holidays. The Bailey home was always loving and welcoming for family and friends. Ella loved to vacation with her family.

Ella leaves to cherish her memory, her sons, Arcelious Bailey, Jr. and his wife Mae Kit Dao, Cornelius Bailey and his wife Sandra, Michael C. Bailey and his former wife Sonja; daughters, Brenda Teresa Bailey and her former husband John, and Pamela Leigh Bailey; grandchildren: Carleigh L. Bailey, Cornelius “Neil” Bailey, Jr. and his wife Amy, Leah Joyce Die and her husband James, Arcelious Bailey III and his wife Kristen, Lauren Bailey Short, Kendall Leigh Short; great grandchildren: Khyston Xavier Bailey, Kaiton Arcelious Bailey, Cornelius “Cory” Bailey III, Audrey Joy Bailey, Olivia Die, Ella Die.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home, 3009 Chestnut Ave Newport News, VA 23607. Burial to follow.


8 comments

  1. Brenda and Family,

    May you cherish your lifetime of memories with your wonderful mother. With sincerest sympathy,

    Cecelia Raine

    Cecelia Raine
  2. I would like to express my sincerest condolences to Mrs. Ella and her entire family. I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know Mrs. Bailey before she said her final goodbyes. The time that we spent together was very special and dear to my heart. Although I won’t have the chance to see you off properly and say goodbye I atleast wanted you to know that you made a huge impression.

    Katie Joseph
  3. Ms Ella was one of a kind. Always classy and dressed to the nines with a sparkle. She loved her family and I was blessed to have had the opportunity to know her through Pam. My deepest condolences to the entire Bailey family. My prayers are with you all for peace in knowing she is forever shining on you all and celebrating Heavenly life with your dad. I pray you all stay close and carry on the Bailey traditions of family. Much love and prayers for comfort.

    Deb and Chuck Baldridge
  4. I never had the pleasure of meeting sweet Ms. Ella, but knowing Pam, I know she was a dear, kind, and loving mother. I am so sorry for her passing and for the pain that follows for all the friends and family who knew and loved her. In time, the dear sweet exceptional “Mom/Ella ” moments will begin to surface again and today’s grief will turn sweetly back to the joy and love she gave to all her family and friends. May this scripture help you now.
    Proverbs 94:18,19, 22

    When I said, “My foot is slipping,” Your mercy and loving kindness, O Lord, supported me and held me up. 19 When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy. 22 The Lord has become my fortress, and my God the rock in whom I take refuge.

    Joanna Hill
  5. Sis. Ella Bailey, has taken her rest from her labor, and she is now in the presence of our Lord (II Cor 5:6-8). She will be missed, but we will see her again someday. Praying for the family. Blessings to you all.

    In Jesus Name

    Bishop Bill and Pastor Cheryl Hines and New Covenant Christian Church.

    Bill Hines
  6. Mrs. Bailey, a sassy, but classy lady, who was sweet as pie. I remember first meeting her when the Howard University track and field team had a competition in the Houston area. She, Mr. Bailey, and Brenda invited us all into their home for a backyard barbecue and treated us like family. I continued to know her as a woman with a heart of gold, looking like a million bucks but always very down to earth. The amazing matriarch of this family will surely be missed however, she will FOREVER live in the hearts of those of us who knew and loved her. ❤️🖤❤️

    Teresa Simon
  7. Brenda and Family,
    My deepest condolences for your loss. I pray that as time passes that the pain of your loss is diminished by the joy of the memories you shared with your mother.
    Denise

    Denise Russell Fleming
  8. I am sooo sorry to hear of this sweet ladies passing.I am a friend and classmate of Pam’s.I have such great memories of hanging out at the Bailey’s house..both of her parents where both always so funny and you always felt soo welcome there.
    I pray for peace and comfort on this day and the weeks to come.May she rest in peace now and rejoice with our King.

    Teresa Whittington

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