Mae Vivian Bailey

THE LIFE OF MAE VIVIAN BAILEY Mae Vivian Bailey, at the age of ninety-four (94), passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, at Sentara Leigh Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. She was born on October 23, 1928 in Cape May, New Jersey to the late Florence Olivia Bailey. She was preceded in death by her mother, Florence Olivia Bailey (after a lengthy illness in 1946), aunt, Maggie Harris who raised her from the tender age of seven, brother, James “Buster” Bailey, son, Calvin Hodges, and life partner, Thomas McCalvin Hodges, Jr. Mae joined New Calvary Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia at an early age where she remained a faithful member until she joined First Baptist Church Lamberts Point in Norfolk, Virginia in the early 1970’s. Mae took on many roles while at First Baptist Church Lamberts Point, from serving as a hostess to being a missionary. She directed and facilitated the weekly soup kitchens, serving the less fortunate in the neighborhood for many years. Mae also coordinated the monthly Share program, which helped provide food to families in the community. She continued to be a faithful and dedicated member until her health declined. Mae graduated in 1946 from Booker T. Washington High School and attended Norfolk State University. Following her brief stint at Norfolk State University, she started a career as a domestic worker until she obtained a position as an Assistant Office Manager for the STOP Organization of Hampton Roads. In this position, she served the Lamberts Point Community in Norfolk, creating jobs for the youth and keeping the children of the neighborhood engaged in various activities throughout the year. She mentored/educated families` and children in the community in numerous life disciplines such as financial budgeting and nutrition planning, just to name a few. After the STOP Organization, she started working as an Extension Technician for Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. In this position, she continued teaching general life skills on a larger scale, servicing many communities in Norfolk, Virginia and reaching hundreds of households. In addition, she helped secure scholarships for under privileged youth to attend 4H camp each year. She remained in this position for 17 years until she retired in 1990. She was also self-employed, owning a catering service where she would cater numerous events in the community for 30 years. Volunteering was her passion. She loved helping and encouraging people. She leaves to cherish her sweet memories: three daughters, Thomasine Goodman (Walter), Robin Vetia Hodges-Petruchyk (Jon) and Bertha Shirlene Hodges; one stepdaughter, Dorothy “Bobbie” May Davis; one stepson, Dana A. Simmons, three grandchildren, Felicia M. Sylver, Walter A. Goodman, Jr. and Nicole L. Williams; five step grandchildren; six great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and relatives. SUBMITTED WITH LOVE ~ THE FAMILY

Mae Vivian Bailey

October 23, 1928 - December 28, 2022