Velvet J. Bailey

Velvet J. Bailey, age 68 of East Moline, Illinois passed away peacefully December 20th at Genesis Memorial Hospital surrounded in love.

A memorial butterfly release will be held in the Spring of 2021. Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, under the director of Trimble Funeral Home. To continue to inspire change in youth, memorial donations may be made to Wild Wood Ranch, Des Moines, Iowa, 2552 Union Ln, St. Charles, IA 50240.

Velvet was born September 9, 1952 to Herman and Alice (Fiekert) Ackman in Galesburg, IL. Velvet was passionate in life and an undercover romantic. Fittingly, after nearly 50 years in partnership, she married the love of her life, Charlie F. Bailey on December 19, 2020 as her final wish here on earth.

After graduation from Galesburg High School, 1970 she began work as an Owner Operator and quickly moved to office manager of Bailey Cab Co and Royal Cab. After moving to the Quad Cities she:
• Attended Black Hawk College, Moline IL, where she received her Associate in Arts in Business and a second degree in Communication.
• Worked at Bailey Construction, Davenport Iowa where she managed operations, wrote contracts.
• Founded the Watertown Youth Committee where she worked with youth to develop life skills.
• Provided opportunities for youth to grow in the love of dance at the Dance Connection in East Moline, IL.

Velvet loved to love people. She spent her entire life working with youth and families in the community to ensure that Quad Cities youth found value in themselves and attained the life skills to be successful. She inspired true change.

She enjoyed knitting, fishing, reading and crafting. As a Girl Scout Leader and champion for youth she worked diligently to provide opportunities for youth to experience the arts, volunteer in the community and attend Youth Summer Camp. Most of all she enjoyed sharing her passions with her grandchildren.

Velvet was highly active in Mount Zion church. She served as a Vacation Bible School teacher, kitchen committee member and youth leader. She also performed editing and advisory work for communications. She will be remembered for her tenacity, determination, strength and overall passion for this life.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Alvin and Andy.

Her beautiful life will forever by cherished in the lives of her family. Velvet is survived by her loving spouse Charlie F. Bailey (East Moline, IL): children: Renita Bailey (Peoria, IL), Charlotte (George) Bailey (Iowa City, IA), Cassandra McCullough (Bourbonnais, IL), Candice (John) Tapia (Highlands Ranch, CO), Cecelia Bailey (East Moline, IL), Clarissa Bailey (Jared Hughes) (East Moline, IL), Charlie T. Bailey (Sarah Hillman) (East Moline, IL). Grandchildren: Nateasa (Terrence) Ware, Jonta’e Bailey, Cierra “Shacara” Bailey, Celecia “CeCe” Bailey, Tanisha “NeNe” Graves, Alexander “AJ” Bailey, Jasmine Bailey, Alexis Bailey McCullough, Paige Tapia, Nicholas “Cole” Tapia, Braedon Reynolds, Bailey Reynolds, Bryson Reynolds, Briley Reynolds, Lucien Bailey, Isaiah Bailey, Bryce Bailey, Abigail Bailey. A host of great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Velvet didn’t just love her biological family, she is loved and survived by her many “adopted” children and family members.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses at Fresenius Kidney Center, Hope Creek, Genesis Medical Center, Trinity Medical Center, Dr. George Kontos, Dr. Magdy Mostafa, and Dr. Thomas Ade for many years of love and care of our beloved mother.

To continue to inspire change in youth, memorial donations may be made to Wildwood Hills Ranch, Des Moines, IA.

The family invites friends to share stories and condolences at TrimbleFuneralHomes.com.