Cora Delores (Johnson) Bailey

Cora Delores Johnson Bailey, 82, formerly of Winfall, NC, transitioned from this life on Sunday, August 20, 2017 at St. Joseph Community Hospital, Port Jervis, NY. 

Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, August 28, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Melton Grove Missionary Baptist Church, Winfall, NC with Rev. Alvin J. Boone, Sr., officiating. She will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. until time of service. Interment will follow in the Hampton National Cemetery, Hampton, Va. 

Cora Delores Johnson Bailey was born October 11, 1934, the fifth child of eight children to the Late Deacon George W. Johnson and the Late Deaconess Kate Thomas Johnson in Perquimans County, North Carolina.  Two siblings, Margaret Overton and Katie Johnson, and her Nephew/Godson Steven Henderson, Jr., preceded her in death.

Cora joined Melton Grove Baptist Church, and became saved at an early age. She joined the Junior Usher Board and later the Junior Choir.  Working in church was a joy for her and her siblings as that was taught to them by their parents.

Cora was educated in the Perquimans County School System, Winfall, North Carolina and graduated in the class of ’53. She was an excellent basketball player, and was awarded a trophy in their championship game in 1953.  Cora and her cousin Rosa Armstrong Spellman, were like sisters. They went everywhere together.  Cora loved to dance and they learned to swing dance ….using the kitchen door as their partner.  After high school she moved to New York and used her sewing talents to acquire a job making sportswear for children and adults. She worked at that same clothing company until she retired at age 62.  She was offered manager and supervisory positions, but she always declined saying, the money was in sewing, which brought about bonuses.

Cora met and married the love of her life, the late Edward Allen Bailey, better known as Sobe or Big Red.  They use to dance the night away and even did some ballroom dancing.  From their union they were blessed with three children. She joined Zion Shiloh Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York, where she maintained her membership until her passing.  She was a member of the Pastor’s Aide Ministry and was always eager to roll up her sleeves and help in any way that she could.

Cora adored her three granddaughters, her family, and her family gatherings, so much so that her and her sister Jean had count downs, to the actual family event.  They would call each other every day until the actual family reunion.  She also enjoyed going to the center for seniors because they went on trips, formed a gospel choir, and sang at other centers all around Brooklyn. They also played bingo, checkers, exercised, played bowling on the WII, and other fun activities.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted loving daughters, Shelia Vasquez (Robert) of Port Jervis, New York, and Edwina Cookie Bailey of Brooklyn, New York.  One son, Sobe Bailey (companion, Shaniqua) of Brooklyn, New York.  Three granddaughters, Jaidae Bailey, Joy Vasquez, and Sariyah Lee; one grand-god son, Cintrell Johnson.  Three god-sons, Kent Overton (companion Jinan), Jack Overton (Evelyn), and Eddie Overton (Pam).  Four sisters, Vernice Cook of Baltimore, Maryland, Mable Turner of Va. Beach, Va, Evelyn Modlin of Hertford , N.C. and Jean Rainey (Edward) of Elizabeth City, N.C.  One Brother, George Johnson of Baltimore, Maryland and one Brother-in-law Charles, (C.D.) Overton of Hertford N.C., 16 loving nieces, 13 nephews, and a host of great, great-grand nieces and nephews, and loving family members and friends.

Final Care and Compassionate Services are being provided to the Bailey and connected families by Mitchell Funeral Care and Cremations.