Emma Bell (Watkins) Bailey

Obituary of Emma Bell (Watkins) Bailey

Emma Bell Bailey, 92, transitioned peacefully at home on May 3, 2022, surrounded by family.  Emma joins her loving husband Douglas (1921 - 1993) at the table of the Lord.  Emma was born December 9, 1929, in Meridian, Mississippi to Bufice and Tobitha Watkins.   She accepted Christ at an early age and grew up in Meridian.  

Emma met Douglas while he was visiting friends in Mississippi.  Emma Bell Watkins and Douglas James Bailey were joined in Holy matrimony in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised Gary Wayne, Angela Maria, and Alisa Victoria.  They became lifelong members of the St. Cecilia Parish family.  

Through her devoted time raising her family, Emma also provided daycare at their home for Cuyahoga County as well as worked for Good Beginnings Day Care until retiring in 2005.  The children in her care affectionately referred to her as “Bailey.”  She loved kids and was passionate about her work.  Emma also loved working in the kitchen and there was always a hearty meal on the table or on the way for guests. 

Emma was preceded in death by Douglas and her sister Catherine Watkins.  She is remembered by sisters Ollie Gene Alexander (Meridian), Dorothy Watkins (Miami), Margie Williams (Miami), son Gary (Lelani) (Angeles City, Philippines), daughters Angela Morris (Cleveland) and Alisa (Kevin) Stevens (Chicago), as well as grandchildren Jermaine & Ebony Bailey, Richard & Alicia Johnson, Christian & Victoria Stevens, and seven great-grandchildren.

Emma was committed to supporting the efforts of St. Jude and requested that friends consider a donation to St. Jude in lieu of flowers.  Donations in Emma’s memory can be made at this link: Link to Donate to St Jude in Memory of Emma Bailey.  https://www.stjude.org

Family and Friends are welcome for a viewing on Wednesday, May 11th from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Nesbitt Funeral Home - 6415 Quincy Avenue, Cleveland OH.  Visitation will continue Thursday, May 12th at 9:30 a.m. followed by a 10:00 a.m. funeral mass at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church - 12601 Shaker Blvd, Cleveland, OH  44104.  Interment will be held privately at a later date.

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