“Diakonos” the Greek word for deacon, means “servant” or “minister,” and reflects a life devoted to serving others, assisting in worship, and meeting the needs of God’s people.  Becoming a Deacon at Antioch Baptist Church was one of the greatest honors and proudest accomplishments of our father’s life.  As his daughter, Faith, recalled, he shed tears of joy when he received this call.  He embraced the responsibility with humility, dedication, and unwavering faith.  

Deacon Theodore Roosevelt Bailey was born on September 3, 1936 to the late Caleb and Sarah Madlee Christian Bailey. He departed this life on June 19, 2026 at The Citadel Nursing Rehabilitation Facility in Nassawadox, Virginia with his sister Violet at his side.  He was preceded in death by his brothers, Calip Bailey, Caleb Bailey, and Thomas Bailey; his sister, Ellen Francis Bailey Rogers; his son, Joseph Ronald Bailey; and his grandson, Rashaad T. Matthews. 

Raised in the nurturing environment of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Deacon Bailey grew up alongside his siblings on Virginia’s Eastern Shore.  He attended Northampton County Public Schools during an era of segregation and the learned the value of hard work at an early age.  Working on the family farm, he helped support his parents and younger siblings, developing the strong work ethic that would characterize his entire life.  

On a cold and snowy day in January 1957, our Dad married the love of his youth, Sudie Olivia Beckett, in her parents’ parlor in Marionville, Virginia.  From this union, four children were born; Cheryl Denise Bailey, Landerus Theodore Bailey, Faith Lauretta Bailey and Joseph Ronald Bailey (Deceased).

Throughout his life, Deacon Bailey worked diligently to provide for his family.  He held various farming jobs on the Eastern Shore and moved to Delaware to work in the factories alongside his brothers.  Eventually, he returned to the Eastern Shore and was employed byNottingham Brothers and Seafood House in Kent Narrows Maryland.  During the final 20 years of his working career, he faithfully served NorthamptonCounty Public Works Department at the Birdsnest Refuse Facility.  

Deacon Bailey lived a long, full, and very blessed life.  He was predeceased in death by his wives, Ellen Warren Bailey, Vera Bailey and Sudie Bailey.  

Our father, Deacon Bailey leaves to cherish his memories, seven beloved children; Cheryl Bailey Brown, Landerus Theodore Bailey (Wanda), Faith L. Bailey, Vera Chandler Crawley (Fred), Willie Chandler (Marie), Gail Collins (Charles) and Keith Robinson(Rhoda).   Thirty-eight grandchildren, Eighty-fourgreat-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren, all of whom were blessed by his love, guidance, and enduring presence.

Deacon Bailey also leaves to mourn his passing six siblings; Violet Bailey Carter, Elijah Bailey (Inez), Annie Mae Bailey Mitchell, Magdalene Bailey Brown (Kenny), Jeremiah Bailey (Pauline) and Levin Bailey (Beverly); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and acquaintances whose lives were enriched by knowing him.