Barbara Bailey

Barbara Bailey (nee Kelber), age 85, went to be with the Lord on Monday, May 1, 2017 at her home after a long battle with dementia. Barbara was born in Union New Jersey and lived most of her life there. She was preceded in death by both her parents John F Kelber and Anna Willing Kelber. Her husband, Norman Ray Bailey (Bill), and her brother John W Kelber. Her granddaughter Elizabeth A Frank and grandson Thomas J Frank. Barbara worked on Wall Street in New York City after graduating high school, then was a homemaker while raising her children. Once her youngest child started school, she began a second career, working for A1 Temporaries as a legal secretary with long term positions at both Schering Plough, and Canon Camera. She was an active member of the Rosary Altar Society at St John the Apostle church in Linden, NJ even holding position of president. Upon retiring, Barbara and her husband relocated to Susquehanna Pa . When her husband "Bill" passed away, she moved back to New Jersey and in 2009 relocated to Kingsport Tennessee.Barbara is survived by her children Guy R and his wife Cathy of Jacksonville Florida: Karen A Bailey Evans of Ludlow, Vermont; Virginia L Frank of Belvidere, NJ; Ray J and his wife Eileen of Clark, NJ; Katherine J of Church Hill, Tn; Roger A and his wife Karen of Durham, NC. She is also survived by her brother Richard C Kelber of Tucson Arizona, and son-in-law's Philip H Frank and Bohdan (Danny) Koltowski. Grandsons Jeremy Bailey, Eric Evans, Nicholas Bailey, Ray J and granddaughter Kristen Deleandro and great grandchildren Maria Bailey and Tatyana Bailey. As well as several brother and sister in-laws, and nieces and nephews. Barbara enjoyed quilting, crafting, bowling and travel. She was a member of the Golden Goose crafters as well as a quilting club at the Clark Public Library. In the late 1970's Barbara and a group of friends started a Prayer group, and they communicated up until the end of her life. While living in Pennsylvania, Barbara and "Bill" started a group called the "Senior Road Runners", offering information and support to seniors, as well as dinner outings and various craft events. Barbara was legally blind, and a member of VIPS – Visually Impaired Persons Society, Flemington NJ. where she held the position of president for two years. She was active in supporting those with vision problems and an advocate for the White Cane Society taking the six week training class in Scranton, Pa and earning her cane. Her "Have cane will travel" motto was commonly heard by those who knew her. Barbara was a loving daughter, sister, wife and mother. She enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grand children and great grandchildren. She was a very independent and woman, who enjoyed giving and helping others. Her strong faith and Christianity helped her through her life and allowed her to accomplish any task before her. With great gratitude, the family would like to acknowledge and thank the following people who made her last six months at home possible:Erica, Ashley, Tom and Marla from Amedisys Hospice for their compassionate care during these last several weeks. They also want to thank Amy and Marge from St Dominic RC Church for their continued support and visits. Finally, a special thank you to the Messick, Harless and Brown families for their support during the last six months of Barbara's life at home. A funeral mass will be held for Barbara in New Jersey on July 8th, 2017 at 11AM at St John the Apostle Church, Clark NJ with interment at Rosemount Memorial Park, McClellan St, Elizabeth NJ alongside her parents and husband. The family will gather afterwards and you are invited to attend and share your favorite memories and stories. For immediate condolences, you may visit the family's home in Church Hill to offer your support and sympathy.Johnson-Arrowood Funeral Home is honored to serve the Bailey family.