It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved family matriarch, Dorothy “Dottie” Johnson Bailey, who entered into eternal rest on April 22, 2025, at the age of 99. She passed peacefully, with her daughter by her side. Our family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the staff at The Village at Riverview for their compassionate care during Dorothy’s final days.
Dorothy was born on June 13, 1925, in Manchester, England, to Arthur and Florence Johnson. She grew up alongside three brothers and two sisters. During World War II, Dorothy served her country by working in a factory, making triggers for military firearms. It was during these years that she met a young American GI Yank, Leonard Ivan Bailey, who would become the love of her life. After the war, Dorothy crossed the pond to begin a new chapter with Leonard in West Virginia, where they made their first home on Kelly’s Creek, just past Rocky Fork, in Charleston.
Together, Dorothy and Leonard built a beautiful life, raising three children: Robert Delano Bailey, Marshall Seymour Bailey, and Marlene Black. A devoted wife and mother, Dorothy was also a talented knitter and an avid antique enthusiast. Her deep faith as a devout Christian guided her throughout her life, and she was dearly loved by all who knew her.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband Leonard, her parents Arthur and Florence, and her beloved sons Robert and Marshall. She is survived by her daughter, Marlene Black; daughters-in-law, Janie Bailey and Belva Bailey; four grandchildren, Aaron Bailey, Jack Bailey, Jesse Dickens, and Jeremy Dickens; and a multitude of great-grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews.
Dorothy’s legacy of love, faith, and resilience will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. She will be profoundly missed.
Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.
Graveside services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 2, 2025 at Tyler Mountain Memory Gardens, Cross Lanes, WV.
