Emily and Gerald Bailey's Obituary
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Emily Marie Bailey and Gerald Willis Bailey, who both peacefully passed away in the same week, having lived full and remarkable lives. Emily Marie Bailey, 88, passed away on Tuesday, December 17th, 2024, at Brightview Senior Living in Severna Park, MD. Gerald (Gerry) Willis Bailey, 88, passed away on Sunday, December 22, 2024, at Anne Arundel Medical Center in Annapolis, MD. They were married for 67 years, a true testament to their unwavering love and devotion to each other.
Emily was born in Washington, D.C., in January 1936, the only child of Louis and Amelia Jurak. Emily lived in Washington, D.C. and Curtis Bay, MD, before moving to Pocomoke City, MD, in 1946.
Gerry was the eldest child of Herbert and Anna Mae Bailey. Born in Crisfield, MD, in November 1936, Gerry lived in Marion, Brooklyn Park, Baltimore, and Annapolis before returning to Maryland’s Eastern Shore and Pocomoke City at the age of 14. It was upon his return to Pocomoke City in 1950 that he and Emily began dating.
Both Emily and Gerry attended Pocomoke High School and graduated in 1954. Their small graduating class continued to meet for reunions for many years, and they kept in touch with as many classmates as possible. Following graduation, Emily attended Strayer College in Baltimore and earned a one-year business certificate, while Gerry worked in Pocomoke City. They were married on November 3, 1957.
Gerry enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1958 and served as a specialized equipment operator, the precursor to the computer science field. As part of his tour, he spent time in Okinawa, Japan. He returned to the United States, and the couple moved to Pasadena, MD, in 1960, where Gerry began a long and storied career at what is now known as the National Security Agency in 1961. Gerry was a pioneer in the field of computer science, often working on the cutting edge of information technology. He received the Meritorious Civilian Service Award in 1979 and retired as a member of the Senior Executive Service in 1994 with 36 years of government service. Emily worked at Maryland National Bank in Pasadena until their two sons were born, at which time she became a full-time homemaker.
Both Gerry and Emily were involved in their Pasadena community. Gerry was active in the Woodholme Circle Community Association, serving on the board in different roles for many years. Emily was a Northeast High School Band Booster, assisting with the activities of the high school band, from 1979 to 1985. In retirement, they were active members of the David Winter Cottage Collectors Guild and the Harbour Lights Collectors Society and traveled to events for both organizations both in the United States and abroad. For over a decade, they traveled to England and Scotland regularly, making many friends along the way.
Gerry was a voracious reader all of his life and always had a book (or several) going. He also enjoyed woodworking, camping, and tinkering – never turning down the opportunity to build or fix anything. Emily had several hobbies, including gardening, crafting, flower arranging, baking, and collecting, and she also enjoyed the many camping trips they took with their two sons. By far, Emily’s true passion was cats. Over her lifetime, they shared their home with and/or cared for over 70 cats. Emily truly was the original “Crazy Cat Lady.” Both Emily and Gerry treasured the time they spent with their small family and their grandchildren.
Emily and Gerry are survived by their sons Stuart (Karen) and Eric (Jessie), and their grandchildren Corinne (Chris), Jeffrey, and Emma. Gerry was preceded in death by his younger sister Mary Linda, who passed away in 1981.
Services will be private. Donations can be made to the Anne Arundel County SPCA in Annapolis, MD, or Hospice of the Chesapeake.
What’s your fondest memory of Emily and?
What’s a lesson you learned from Emily and?
Share a story where Emily and's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Emily and you’ll never forget.
How did Emily and make you smile?