Name: Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home & Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park
Address: Omaha, NE

You were always a beautiful soul. 
Fly High Joy and Julie

I am sorry for this late entry, I just was informed by a mutual friend of Thomas and myself about the death of both daughters.  My deepest regrets and condolences to Thomas, Judy, Bruce and Thomas III and the rest of the family.  Sincerely Jim Woods   Bern, Switzerland

Thomas & Judy, I want to extend my deepest sympathies for your loss, good to hear you have a beautiful grand daughter.....hugs

Hi Thomas & Judy, so sorry for your loss, you are in my thoughts from afar.

Judy this is Robert the oldest brother of James.  I was truly saddened to hear of Joy's passing.  I never got a chance to see her as an adult over the many years.  I pray that God has healed the hurt even though the scar remains.  I can't imagine how it must feel to lose both daughters in such a short period of time.  Be bless as you continue to recover.  Looking to hear from you.

Judy, Thomas and family, you have been in my thoughts many times in the last few moths.  Although I haven't really known LaChelle for many years now, it seems as though she grew up to be someone you can be very proud of.  I am just sorry I never took the opportunity to reconnect with her through the years. I am so sorry for your loss.  Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.

I am still stunned.  There are no words that can express my empathy for her family especially for her parents and baby girl.  I have an infant daughter and spent time with LaChelle in college.  I was amazed when I found out that we were having our first child at the same time.   To think that we can't share our different paths or catch up is unreal.  She was and will always be part of my fond memories of laughter, life, and big dreams.  To my friend's family, I share in writing what I couldn't do in person:  LaChelle's memory will live on in my heart.

Judy & Thomas, just today I learned of your losses.  I met your girls only twice, but I knew they possessed the same humor and compassionate spirit as that of their mom and grandma.  You have my deepest sympathy, and you will be in my prayers as will Albert and Alora-Anne and all your family.

I heard the unthinkable news from one of my former co-workers.  I used to work alongside Lachelle, at AON corp, here in New York, for a couple of years. She was a pleasure to be around, and always had a smile on her face.  Such a shame to lose such a nice girl at such an early age. 

 Rather than try to make sense of a tragedy like this, instead of mourning Lachelle's passing, we might be better off if we instead celebrate that she lived......

 Rest in peace, old friend.

Judy, Thomas and family,

There are no words to convey the heartfelt sympathy going out to you and your family.
May you be comforted in your time of sorrow by the loving hands of family and friends.

My thoughts and prayers are with all of LaChelles family. i am so sorry to hear of your loss She had a smile like Julies big and bright and contagious.

My prayers are with you in this time of need. My blessings go out to your entire family and friends.
Alice Gould
Omaha, Ne.

My thoughts and prayers to LaChelle's family and friends.  We went to high school together and although we didn't know each other all that well, LaChelle was always so nice and great to be around.  Blessings to her little girl.

I am truly blessed to have known LaChelle for so many years. She had a smile that would brighten a room and a spirit that genuinely moved you.  I will truly miss her.  My blessings go out to her family and friends. 

Keshia Clayter-Hines
Laveen, Arizona

I had the honor of being Joy’s supervisor for the past 8 months.  As many have already said she was a real joy to have as a member of our team and will be greatly missed for her intellect, compassion, grace under pressure, and peaceful soul.  I just wanted to share briefly 3 lessons Joy taught me:

1. Keep your motivation in mind: Joy kept a picture of the Sudanese refugees she helped resettle in Nebraska on her desk at work.  These men and women were the reason Joy decided to not only pursue a doctorate, but dedicate her career to making the lives of immigrants better.  Her dissertation looked at the social and informational networks Sudanese refugees create to adapt to the United States.  Her passion whether as an adjudicator or policy analyst was enabling people to better understand the path to citizenship during their transition to a new country.  Joy, while not an immigrant herself, understood intimately the complexities of leaving one’s homeland (by force or by choice) and having to start anew and make a life in place where no one and nothing is like it once was.  For those of us who have been immigrants, I believe God puts people like Joy on our path, so that you know just because someone or someplace is unfamiliar that doesn’t mean that person or place is unfriendly.  Joy knew this was her life’s purpose and kept a photo keepsake within sight so that she had a constant reminder of who we serve at USCIS.

2. Persistence pays: Although Joy was a natural fit to the Research & Evaluation Division of OP&S, she almost didn’t get the chance to come and work for me.  There was a technological error when she submitted her application to usajobs.gov and her application never made it to our HR Dept.  But Joy kept meticulous records of her application, shared her concern about the uploading of her documents with her supervisor, and contacted our HR representative in Vermont to confirm her application would be considered.  Even with all that she did not initially make the certification for our vacancy.  It turns out they forgot to connect the technological error with her manual resolution, and she had to resubmit her documents and records of contacting them to show up on our candidate list.  Where many would have given up at the first hurdle, Joy’s persistence and determination to be eligible for this job opportunity were what made her stand out from the pack.  She didn’t take no for an answer, particularly when she knew what a good fit she would be for the office.   

3. You don’t have to complain to get empathy:  Joy worked up until her pregnancy due date.  At times she waddled down the hall and you could hear her before you could see her.  At the very end of carrying a large and fidgety baby, her feet no longer fit in her shoes and this would have made even the most patient woman grouchy.  But Joy smiled thru her discomfort and never complained about her condition.  You would have to ask her if she was uncomfortable and she simply replied ‘I guess that is to be expected’.  Her stoicism was commendable and we all remarked at how calm she was throughout her pregnancy.  Joy had an inner peace that neither difficult times nor difficult people could shake.  She earned attention from her positive attitude rather than trying to be the center of attention.  Joy had a rare temperament and sense of peace that we will all miss.


When you are sorrowful
look into your heart
and you shall see that
you are weeping
for that which has been
your delight
~ Kahlil Gibran

Dearest, Joy -- You embodied your name in full definition, always taking time to express your appreciation to others, exuding light-heartedness, thoughtfulness, and a peaceful energy that invited others to bask in your presence. You will be missed, remembered, and always admired. May we meet again.

I am so sorry my thoughts and prayers go out to all of you.  I will always remember what a beautiful and accoumplished girl you were and how proud we all were to know you and your family.  May God bless and comfort your family.

Everyone at Marubeni Citizen-Cincom is thinking of all of you, especially Albert and Alora-Anne.  We are keeping you in our prayers.  We miss you Albert and are here always if you need anything.

Judy & Thomas, my thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and all who were blessed to have known LaChelle. May you find peace knowing that God will never leave nor forsake you and His angels are encamped around baby Alora-Anne. Grenoda Shannon & Family

I have no doubt Alora-Anne will grow up to be as caring and thoughtful as her mother. You will be missed.

We are thankful sharing in the many joys of LaChelle's life and we are thankful for sharing in her inspirational journey through this world with us. We will always remember her lovely smile, warm and affectionate hugs and her kind spirit, she will be greatly missed. She always set her goals high and accomplished the highest honor in academia, obtaining her PhD. We pray that our Heavenly Father will grant her high honor in heaven.

Mr and Mrs Kearney, and Albert, my thoughts and prayers go out to you all during this time. May God continue to place his hands over you and guide you day by day.

LaChelle, I have fond memories of you from Confirmation class and from high school.  You were quite an accomplished person and you will be missed.  I'll be thinking of you and your family in my prayers.

Many fond memories of LaChelle in school, band, and volleyball.  Thoughts and prayers are with your family, especially little Alora-Anne.

Thoughts and prayers to each and every family member and friend.  Love Mandy & Chad Owen

 When I sent you the photo recently of us as children, the message I was sending was the same as it is now. I cherish the memories I have of you and I, when we were growing up, and I will always consider you one of my best friends. I'm so very thankful for one more chance to share that with you. As you said, "Best buds", forever.

I am deeply sorry and saddened to hear about LaChelle. I went to school with her in Omaha. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends at this time.

OBITUARY

Joy LaChelle Bailie

February 7, 1973 – June 11, 2011

Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home & Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park

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