Caroline B. Cann-Bailey

A TIME TO BE BORN:Caroline Beatrice Cann Bailey, daughter of the late George and Elizabeth Marie Cann of Chestertown, Md. and Sandy Bottoms, Md. was born on May 29, 1924 in Baltimore, Md. She departed this life on Sunday, February 12, 2006 after a lengthy illness. Caroline was the 3rd oldest of 11 children and the last sibling to reach Heaven’s Gate.A TIME TO PLANT:Caroline was raised in Chestertown, Md. and received her formal education in the Fairlee School System. After the passing of her mother at the tender age of 12, she helped her father to raise her younger brothers. During her latter teen years, she moved to Baltimore to live with her aunt, Beatrice Cann Gross. With meager earnings, she continued to send money home. You see, Caroline was very family oriented.From time to time, Caroline was employed as a domestic worker. Her love of children led her to become a child care worker for many years. Everyone loved her as she was an admirable role model to all. She could find the good in anyone. She used to sell the best frozen cups and candy apple on the sticks in the entire area. There was always a line at her back door.A TIME TO HARVEST: Caroline was a devout Christian. She received Christ as her savior and was baptized at Nazarene Baptist Church. In 1955 she helped organize Mt. Nebo Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member until God called her home. In the early 1980’s she was ordained as a Deaconess. She served as President of the Pastor’s Aide, the 4B’s, Senior Choir and was the church secretary. Deaconess Bailey was a former Sunday School Teacher, usher and diligently worked with various auxiliaries of the church. When her health prevented her from attending, she made sure one of her girls fulfilled her duties and also made sure her financial obligations were met. Caroline eagerly a waited for the at-home and hospital church services Rev. Coleman never failed to render. You could hear her singing and praising the Lord all the time. One of her favorite hymns was “Your Grace and Mercy.” This devout Christian will be greatly missed at Mt Nebo Baptist Church.A TIME FOR FAMILY:Caroline met and married her one true love, the late Deacon Julian Baylor Bailey who passed away April 26, 2003. They spent 62 years together loving each other and raising their children to accept Christ as the head of their life. The children were tenderly nourished and when the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren arrived they were received as a blessing; always showering them with an outpouring of love. Caroline even helped to deliver their first grandson. She showed the same kind of love to all who encountered her. She readily provided shelter, food, and spiritual guidance to many less fortunate people.A TIME TO DIE:Two grandchildren, Wanda and Brian preceded her in death. Caroline leaves to cherish her memory: 3 daughters, Brenda, Delores, and Loretta; 12 grandchildren, Renee, Charlene, Michelle, Kelvin, Adam, Timothy, Dennis Sr. Jennell, Brian, Michael, Shawand, and Melvin; 26 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Estelle Wiley; 1 aunt, Beatrice Gross; 3 sisters-in-law, Rita, Verna Mae, and Ann Cann; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Tributes

Caroline B. Cann-Bailey

May 29, 1924 - February 12, 2006