Edna P. Bailey

It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Edna Florence (nee Price) Bailey. Edna, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully on November 15, just one week before her 89th birthday. Edna was born on November 22, 1931 in Washington, NJ to Helen Ceres (nee Oberly) Price and Charles Edward Price. She graduated from Wyoming Seminary High School in Pennsylvania where she met her future husband, James W. Bailey Jr. Edna graduated with a Bachelor of Music from Westminster Choir College in Princeton, NJ. She and Jim were married in 1954 and settled in Union in 1960 where she lived for over 60 years.

In 1962 she became the organist and choir director at Townley Presbyterian Church in Union, NJ where she served for 55 years, retiring only a few years ago. She was active on many church committees and chaired many social events in addition to her music role. In the late 60ies she returned to school at Newark State College (now Kean University) in Union, NJ where she earned a degree in music education and taught elementary school music in Roselle Park, NJ for 25 years before retiring in 1998. She was honored to be named a "New Jersey Teacher of the Year" during her tenure there. Her love of music continued by singing with the Choral Art Society of NJ for many years.

Edna was a strong woman whose quiet manner and vibrant personality touched so many. She was kind and selfless and dedicated her life to those around her. Her devotion to her family and friends was extremely evident, as well as her adoration of God, music, and her church, which she served for so many years. She always put others before herself and brought patience, regard, and a love of life to those who knew her.

Edna was predeceased by her husband of almost 45 years. She will be sorely missed by her two daughters, Lynn Bailey and Sharon Bailey Dougherty and her husband Craig, her brother Edward Price and his wife Mabell, her grandchildren, Sarah Dougherty and Kyle Dougherty and his wife Candace Reilly.

The Bailey and Dougherty families ask you to join us in a Celebration of the Life of Edna P. Bailey on Saturday, July 31st at 11 am at Townley Presbyterian Church, 829 Salem Road, Union, NJ.

There will be a visitation on Friday, July 30th from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Church, as well as the following morning before the Service from 9:45 to 10:45.

Your memories are welcomed during the Service

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

The Community Food Bank of NJ, 31 Evans Terminal, Hillside, NJ 07205

https://cfbnj.org/

Or

Townley Presbyterian Church, 829 Salem Rd, Union, NJ 07083

www.townleychurch.org/