Cecile Dorothy Bailey-Manuel, our beloved sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and dear friend departed this earth on December 22, 2019. Cecile was born on June 30, 1921 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. She was the daughter of Marguerite Elizabeth (1896-1958) and Walter Timothy Bailey, Sr. (1898-1928). Cecile attended public schools in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Cecile first married in 1940 to James McCall and to that union and ultimately another, birthed four children; daughter, Monita Ann McCall-Oliver, and sons, James, Frederick and Steven McCall. In the mid-1940s, Cecile and her family relocated to New Haven, CT where she quickly planted religious, economic and social roots. She joined the St. Paul’s UAME church where she has been a faithful member for more than 70 years. She was a deaconess, sang in the Senior Choir, attended bible study, fed the homeless on Fridays and was a class leader.
Cecile worked at the Majestic Laundry, Winchester Repeating Arms and the Southern New England Telephone Company where she retired in 1986.
Cecile was a member of the Daughters of Elks, Pocohontas Temple #55 for 30 years where she served as the recording secretary for the Vonoa Bocile Flower Club for more than 10 years. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society.
Cecile was predeceased by her parents Marguerite E. and Walter T. Bailey, Sr.; husbands, James McCall and James Manuel; sister, Marguerite L. Bailey; brothers, Parker Henry and twins, James and Joseph Bailey; sisters-in-law, Hope Gaines and Janet Bailey; sons, James, Steven and Frederick McCall; son-in-law, Edward Oliver, Sr.; daughter, Monita Ann Oliver; grandson, Edward James (EJ) Oliver, Jr. and several nieces and nephews. She leaves to mourn one brother, Walter Timothy Bailey, II.; one daughter-in-law, Clara Mae McCall (Frederick) (CT), seven grandchildren, Kimberly Oliver-McKoy (Everett) (GA); Dominica Mendes; Brandy Bray; George Boyd; Damian McCall; Kwanda McCall; and Lianna McCall of CT, 13 great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 30, 2019 at the St. Paul’s UAME Church, 150 Dwight Street, New Haven, CT at 11:00 a.m. The viewing will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. with an Elk Services following at 10: 00 a.m. Interment in Beaverdale Memorial Park.
My dear friend Sister Cile as I called you. We had fun going to New York to plays and traveling cross country and just talking on the phone. You can rest now his mansion has many rooms and he has a special room for you. Rest in peace my friend ???
To the family of Ms Cecile,
May you find comfort during this difficult time
reflect on the time shared
You are all in my prayers
The entire Bailey family you have my condolences during your time of such great loss, love you sis Brenda & Family
My sincere condolences to the family, who I knew as Mrs. Mccallfrom my youth.