John Washington Bailey

John W. Bailey Jr. was born on May 27, 1938, to the late John W. and Alphia Bailey Sr. He passed away on March 4, 2026, at Riverside Lifelong Health & Rehabilitation Center in Saluda, Virginia.

John received his education in the Newport News Public Schools. He went on to spend many years as a silversmith at Colonial Williamsburg, where he worked until his retirement. He took great pride in his cooking and enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends. He also loved to sing and often took road trips to New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida, where he created many cherished memories.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice Banks Bailey; his daughters, Deborah Langford and Rayne Jones Fultz; three sisters, Iris Banks, Jean Bethea, and Delores Harris; and one brother, Ronald Bailey.

John is survived by his loving daughters, Mylissa Jennings (David) and Pam Langford; his grandchildren, Ebony Jennings, Jada Henry (Bobby), Breon Langford (Janeen), Emil Langford (Keisha), Shanda Fultz, Brandon Fultz Sr. (Anika), and Sheralyn Jones; his great-grandchildren, Dream Davis, Bobby Henry III, Janae Langford, Brea Langford, Brandon Fultz Jr., Jamera Purdie, Raiven Jones, and Brennon McCargo; his brother, Warren Bailey Sr. (Josephine); and stepdaughters, Terronda Jenkins (Phillip) and Gail Taylor (Terry). A private service was held in accordance with his wish for a quiet remembrance.