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Dellma Louise Bailey


Sunrise: May 19, 1951

Sunset: December 22, 2024

Dellma L. Bailey, 73, passed away peacefully on December 22, 2024, leaving behind a lineage of love, faith, and service. Born on May 19, 1951, Dellma was a woman of profound wisdom, compassion, and integrity who touched the lives of all who knew her.

Dellma’s everlasting faith was the cornerstone of her life. She embraced her spirituality, accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, and found solace in Psalm 23, which guided her through life’s joys and challenges. Her passion for reading, her thoughtful guidance, and her steadfast support left a lasting impression on all who were fortunate to know her. 

A proud graduate of Carver High School, Dellma’s journey of service began in 1973 when she joined the United States Navy. She served her country with honor and pride, earning an honorable discharge. After her military service, she pursued her education at Norfolk State University. She would go on to earn a degree in Social Science. Her career reflected her deep passion for learning and helping others, as well as her belief in the importance of accountability and doing what is right.

It was during this chapter of her life that Dellma met William, the love of her life. Often, she laughed when recounting how she made him wait for a kiss, and his joy when she finally gave in. They shared a life filled with laughter, partnership and endless devotion. She loved “Bro Bailey”, beyond his passing in 2014, for 44 beautiful years.

Known for her quick wit and charisma, she was truly the life of the party, bringing joy wherever she went. She lived a life that exemplified the power of kindness, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her family and community. Her enduring heritage of authenticity, compassion, and boundless love will continue to inspire and uplift future generations.

Dellma was predeceased by her beloved husband, William Edward Bailey; her father, James Leroy Jones; her brother, James Jones; and her sister, Doris Branch.

She is survived by her devoted mother, Doris Davis (Mayo); her brothers, Reverend Gregory Davis and Evangelist Michael Davis; and her children: Jewelle Jones, Jarek Bailey, and Amber Bailey. She also leaves behind seven bonus children: Sharon Wynder, Anita Breckenridge, Crystal Crenshaw, Michelle Forrest, James Pitt (Monica), Tyrone Pitt, and Joseph Pitt (Mahogany). Her adopted daughter, Yadidra Caviness Williams (Samuel), and her Godson, Charles Darnell Johnson (Smital), also carry her legacy forward.

Dellma was an endearing grandmother to 32 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. Affectionately known as “Aunt Dell” to countless others who became family through her loving kindness, she leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Dellma’s life was a shining example of the strength found in faith, the importance of family, and the resilience of the human spirit. These are among the many reasons her legacy will reside in our hearts, continuing to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing our “Dell”.

Viewing: Friday, January 17, 2025 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Metropolitan Funeral Service 120 West Berkley Avenue Norfolk, Virginia Celebration of Life: COME IN PERSON OR WATCH ONLINE Saturday, January 18, 2025 11:00 AM Metropolitan Funeral Service 120 West Berkley Avenue Norfolk, Virginia

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Condolences(9)

  1. reply
    Crystal Crenshaw says

    Dell, I will miss your love, tight hugs, kisses, and amazing comic sense of humor so much!

    You were the best stepmother a girl could ever ask for. You always showed your stepchildren and all of our offsprings nothing but affection and unconditional love, and for that, I will ALWAYS love you. Rest Peacefully.

    Love,
    Chris

  2. reply
    Mr. Ira Mark Morring says

    To my Family “Let not your heart be troubled…” So many beautiful memories of Aunt Del. Her loving Spirit abides in all of us. Rest in Power Auntie. A’se O 🙏🏾

    • reply
      Sharon Wynder says

      While my heart hurts, I’m glad that she is not suffering anymore. I’m gonna miss her funny sayings, Big hugs and even Bigger kisses! we love you Dell, Rest Easy in the Arms of the lord🙏

    • reply
      LaVerne Bailey Key says

      May The Most High continue to give us the strength and comfort our Family needs at this time.Want all of us to realize the wonderful lives we have with Aunt Dell.As long as we keep her in our hearts and mind.She yet lives in us!Love and Peace Always Aunt Dell.Your Pumpkin,LaVerne

  3. reply
    Lisa Morring says

    To the family. Wishing you strength, comfort and my deepest sympathy. I believe memories can comfort and those that we love don’t go away.. They live in our hearts and memories.♥️ Love you

  4. reply
    Dallas James & Family says

    1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
    King James Version
    13 But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.
    14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.

  5. reply
    Anita Bailey Breckenridge says

    Dear Dell,

    I find myself thinking of you often, missing our conversations and friendship. The family will miss your presence and the light you brought into our lives. You were more than a stepmother to me—you were a source of love, wisdom, and comfort. Your kindness and strength continue to inspire us and I hope you know how deeply you’re missed. Thank you for everything you gave to our family and for being such an impactful part of ours lives. Thanks also for loving my dad beyond measure. You’ll always have a special place in my heart for those reasons.

    With love,
    Anita June

  6. reply
    Mervin McCoy says

    Dear Bailey Family:
    During times like these, our family has always found Peace and Closure in Hebrews 11-16,KJV where God has prepared for them a New City in a Brand New Country. We are certain that your Faith will Sustain You now and in the days to come.

    Mervin and Pam
    Chesapeake, VA

  7. reply
    Dr. Rosetta Hawkins-Jones, Charita, Monique, and family says

    Dell, you were always strength, comfort, wisdom, and a super funny friend. I have so many fond memories we have shared over the many years that God blessed you to be a part of my life, and my family.
    Take your rest my beautiful friend!
    Until we meet again! I love you! ♥️🙏🏾🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
    “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.” ( II Corinthians 5:8, KJV).

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