Jerome F. Bailey

“There are things in life we cannot understand, but we must trust God and be guided by His hand. All who have God’s blessings can rest safely in His care for He promises safe passage on the wings of faith and prayer.” JEROME FLOYD BAILEY was born on August 12, 1943 to the late Hilda and Sylvester Bailey. He was educated in the public schools of Virginia and later attended evening school here in Baltimore, Maryland. He earned his Associate of Arts Degree from the Community College of Baltimore. He served his country honorably in the United States Air Force from 1968 until 1972. On June 15, 1970 he married the former Lillie Vlinder Stephenson and from this union one son, Jerome Bailey, II, was born. Jerome was baptized at an early age and accepted Christ while he attended the Levi Baptist Church in Green Bay, Virginia. After relocating to Maryland, he joined Zion Baptist Church in 1989. Upon entering the workforce he was employed by Western Electric from 1972 to 1985 at which time the corporation relocated. He then secured employment with Gordon Mohr, Inc. in 1987 as a truck driver and remained there until May of 2006. Bonkie,as he was affectionately known, was a gentleman of small stature, but a big heart. He was the driver of the family. If you needed a ride or directions he was the one to call. He and Larry had a business arrangement — if you needed help in moving, Bonkie was the one! With the soft-spoken voice and the patience of Job accompanied by a huge smile, he was there to help anyone in need. Whenever in despair, he would use his wonderful sense of humor to tell a joke that would get you smiling. After a long day of work or even at lunch, when he needed a break, his mantra was, “It’s five o’clock somewhere!” His humor and patience made you believe things weren’t as bad as they seemed. He maintained that positive disposition down to his last day. All in the family loved “Uncle Bonkie.” He enjoyed spending all of his non-working hours with “Day-Day” and “Key,” his grandchildren. Jerome is survived by: his wife, Linda; son, Jerome II; two grandchildren, Dashawn and Keyona; eight sisters, five brothers; mother-in-law, two sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law; his son’s fiancée, Ann Blume; numerous aunts, uncles and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Tributes

Jerome F. Bailey

August 12, 1943 - April 5, 2012