Mary Bailey Allen

***Mary also authored her own obituary up to her marriage to James (Lou)

MARY CARMELITA BAILEY ALLEN was born June 22, 1936 to the late Frances Pauline Newsome Bailey and Reginald Mercedes Bailey in Norfolk, Virginia. She was affectionately called “Peaches” by her family and close friends.

Mary began her education in Norfolk at St. Joseph’s Catholic School, but that was cut short when her family moved to Washington, D.C. when she was very young. She graduated from Spingarn High School and went on to further her education at Wilson Teachers College (now known as the University of the District of Columbia).

Mary was a lover of music, which she acquired from her father, who was a well-known composer and organist. In 1960, Mary joined the Air Force and was stationed in Texas for the duration of her duty.

Mary gave twenty-nine (29) years of dedication to the Federal Government and retired in 1994. Her interests were many, but she especially loved to travel and sing. She was a member of the Senior Choir at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church and St. Martin’s Catholic Church, both in Washington, D.C., for many years.

In 1991, Mary married James R. Allen and made her residence in Baltimore, Maryland. She leaves to mourn her passing, siblings Cecelia (Bailey) Whittaker, Blanche (Bailey) Hightower, Michael Bailey, Vincent Bailey and Bernadette Bailey. Also in mourning are Regina Arrington (niece), Paula Bailey-Johnson (niece), Michael Whittaker (nephew), Janine Hightower (niece & Goddaughter), Lisa Bailey (niece), Stephanie Whittaker (niece), Melissa Giles (niece), Mark Hightower (nephew) and Kelly Bailey (niece & Goddaughter) along with a number of great-nieces and great-nephews.

Although we mourn on Earth, we all know she is in heaven elatedly singing along with God’s angelic choirs with her beautiful, soprano voice!