Lionel Jacob Bailey

Lionel Jacob Bailey, 85, born on November 3, 1934, in Gretna, LA, United States, passed away January 26, 2020. He resided in Valinda, CA at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn, Covina Hills, California.

Lionel was born to Nellie Simmons and James Bailey on November 3rd 1934 in Gretna, Louisiana. He was one of 5 siblings, the third born from his parents' union. As a child, Lionel enjoyed spending time with his father on the bayou, spending time with family, and playing sports. He was inquisitive and excelled in academics.
Shortly after graduating from Cohen Sr. High School in Gretna, Lionel briefly attended Dillard University in New Orleans before transferring to Eastern Illinois State College in Charleston to pursue a career in medicine. But God had different plans for him. Lionel began to study the word of God at Reed Christian College in Los Angeles, CA. After completing his studies, he became an ordained minister under Pastor Lyle of St. Stephens Baptist church in La Puente, CA in 1965. Lionel loved the Lord and worked tirelessly to spread God's word to all. As God's servant, he founded the San Gabriel Valley Minister Conference and served as President. He preached the word of God for more than 50 years before he was called home.
Lionel loved to golf in his spare time, and enjoyed playing weekly with his friends. But, if he wasn't golfing, he was bowling. Bowling was one of his favorite sports and he was a part of several teams throughout the years, even traveling to various tournaments to compete. Lionel was a hard-working man who continually sacrificed for his family's benefit. He stressed the importance of having a relationship with God and gave of himself freely to anyone in need.
Throughout his life, Lionel worked hard to exemplify God's will. He was a loving and supportive husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to many. He firmly believed in living one's truth and always took time to share an opinion or give advice when needed. He took pride in writing and delivering sermons that were filled with truth, personal experiences and encouragement. Few things made him happier than preaching God's word and knew that he was blessed to do so.
Lionel was preceded in death by his father James Bailey (1991), mother Nellie Simmons (1972), his sister Dorothy Bailey, brothers Herman Bailey, Herbert Bailey and Percy Bailey and daughter Trina Simmons (2005).
On January 26th, Lionel was called home to be with the Lord. He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Linda Bailey, 5 daughters: Tina Arnold (Aaron 2009), Venetia Bristow (Harry), Marquette Bailey, Daphne Bailey-Townsend (Dorian) and Krista Bailey-Hazelton (Cisco). He is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Aaron Arnold, Jr. (Andrenese), Wesley Arnold (Walkennia), LaTosha Arnold, Talia Simmons, Brier Simmons, Victoria Claiborne, Morris Brinker III (Angel), Lyrena Samuel, Marquise Taylor, Linda Hubbard, Dorian Townsend II, Jazzmine Townsend, Krista Lynn Townsend, Sheyenne Townsend, and Robert Hazelton, 19 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and beloved friends.


Order of Service

Processional

Opening Prayer……………………………………………Rev. Nathaniel Colemore

Scripture – Psalms 23……………………………………Deacon Richard Johnson

Scripture- New Testament……………..……………………Deacon David Lawson

Musical Selection……………………….…………..….Sis. Clothilde Hurst-Brisco

Remarks…………………………………………………..……..Open, 1 minute limit

Acknowledgements…………….………………………………………Linda Hubbard

Obituary……………………………………………..……….Krista Bailey-Hazelton

Eulogy…………………………………………………….……………….… Rev. Osby

Closing Remarks/Closing Prayer……………………..……………..……Rev. Osby

Repast immediately to follow:
Community Baptist Church
3803 Dundry Ave., Baldwin Park



A Rendezvous with Death

"The Lord Jesus Christ conquered death for you and me, when he rose from Joseph's tomb. And because he lives, we too shall live. Our bodies sleep in the grave until Jesus comes in the air. But our souls go at death in to his presence. So death should hold no fear for being translated from a sinful world to His heavenly home."

-Reverend Lionel Jacob Bailey