Obituary
Dr. Gracie Pearl Massenberg Bailey was ushered home to Glory on October 13, 2022. Born February 25, 1936 in Waverly, VA to the late Ernest and Maxine Massenberg Sr. She lived a full and beautiful life, and left her legacy in a daughter, son, and two grandsons. Gracie was an impactful daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, educator, administrator, confidant, mentor and friend to many.
Dr. Bailey accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age at the New Hope Baptist Church, Waverly, Virginia. She later moved her membership to the First Baptist Church, Petersburg, Virginia, where she held multiple leadership roles- most notably in the finance department.
Demonstrating and honing her leadership skills from a young age, Gracie graduated as Salutatorian and Senior Class President from Sussex County Training School in 1954. She earned a Bachelor's and Master's degree from Virginia State College (Virginia State University). She completed her Doctorate of Education in 1983 at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). Her dissertation was entitled, "Merit Pay At An Institution of Higher Education", which investigated salary discrepancies among colleges and universities.
Dr. Bailey was an exceptionally dedicated educator who, throughout her 40 year career, taught, inspired and mentored students from first grade through high school and on through college. As an educator chartered with integrating schools, she understood the social component needing to be taught in addition to academic so all involved could better recognize the similarities we all share as human beings. She was an effective proponent in the integration of Virginia's public schools and colleges.
Starting in 1958 as an elementary school teacher until 1974 when she was teaching high school business courses, she mentored and inspired students at various grade levels in multiple Virginia public school systems. Dr. Bailey joined the faculty of Richard Bland College of the College of William and Mary in 1974 as an Assistant Professor of Business and Computer Management. She soon transitioned into roles directing AA/EO functions which included the development and implementation of recruitment and retention plans for faculty, staff and students. After exiting the classroom, Dr. Bailey continued to expand students understanding and appreciation of various cultures by leading study abroad groups. She continued to contribute to the growth of Richard Bland until her 1997 retirement as Associate Provost, Emerita.
Dr. Bailey was also a forward thinking financial planner and award-winning salesperson, licensed for securities , annuities and life and health insurance. It was her conviction to inspire others to plan for and create financially sustainable retirements, invest systematically and always promoting debt-free prosperity.
In addition to education, civil rights and financial mentoring, Gracie was a pioneer in the Equal Rights For Women movement, breaking through glass ceilings by holding professional positions and accomplishing tasks traditionally reserved for men.
Dr. Bailey was blessed with a generous spirit and gave throughout her life to civic and community organizations that supported her passions. She held many leadership roles in the American Business Women's Association; served as President of United Way of Virginia, chaired Budget Allocations, and led annual fundraising campaigns; and championed the construction of the state-of-the-art Petersburg Public Library participating in numerous fundraising campaigns. With integrity, character, faith and always grace, Gracie Bailey effortlessly won the admiration and respect of all who knew her.
Dr. Bailey is survived by her daughter, LaVetta Bailey Goldsborough (George) and son, Erling Bailey Jr. Her grandsons, Tilghman and Bailey Goldsborough, were the joy of her life. She was the middle child who was preceded in death by older sister, Mamie LaVerne Mullen (Percy), younger brother, Ernest Massenberg Jr. and foster-sister, Mary Wallace. She is also survived by foster-sister, Ruth Joseph, sisters-in-law, Ellen Massenberg, Elizabeth Ricks and Bessie Bailey, brother-in-law, James Wallace and grand-Godchild, Nicole Adia Jefferson. Her memory is cherished by many dear nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-great-nieces, a great-nephew, a great-great-nephew and numerous cousins. She mentored three special protégés, Janet Taylor, Anthony Banks, and Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr. She was grateful for the loving care provided by her home health care companion, Tricia Anthony. Gracie will be missed by the supportive Villas neighbors, friends, community and extended family members.
A Celebration of Life service for Dr. Gracie M. Bailey will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2022, at First Baptist Church 236 Harrison St. Petersburg Virginia. With Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Tillman, Pastor, Eulogist and Rev. Michael Stith, First Baptist Church Bermuda Hundred Chester Virginia, Pastor, Officiant. Entombment will follow at the Southlawn Memorial Park 1911 Birdsong Road Petersburg Virginia 23805.
A public viewing will be held on Friday, October 21, 2022 from 5p.m. to 7p.m. at First Baptist Church 236 Harrison St., Petersburg, Virginia where the family will receive relatives and friends.
Service may be viewed by Livestream at/https://www.jldodsonandsons.com/LiveStream
A monetary donation is optional in lieu of flowers to Virginia State University Foundation, P.O. Box 9027, Petersburg VA 23806. Dr. Gracie M. Bailey Endowment To contribute go to:
WWW.VSU.EDU click GIVE > Select an Item (Select Other) > Contribution Designation:
Dr. Gracie M. Bailey > SUBMIT and Follow Through
For the health and safety of attendees, masks are required at all visitations and services. Attendees are asked to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
Professional services have been entrusted to the staff of the J. L. Dodson and Sons Funeral Establishment 25824 Greensville Avenue Petersburg Virginia 23803 (804) 732-5959 and (804)834-3330. Rev. Jeffrey L. Dodson, Sr. Funeral Director. Online condolences may be registered at www.jldodsonandsons.com “Our Family Servicing Your Family”
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