IN MEMORY OF OUR BELOVED
~~ELLEN PATRICIA BAILEY~~
By: C. Harrison/12/24/2016
New York, Queens… Mrs. Ellen Patricia Bailey born October 28, 1939, went to glory Thursday, December 12, 2016 at age 77. Mrs. Pat scrummed to an ill fated stroked. Her life in-between came to an end and God called her home. Immortalized in stone she will forever be a beacon .
The first thing that stood out and came to my recollection when I heard that Mrs. Pat was no longer with us was their daughter. A daughter that had died many years ago. I remember I was about 17 years old when I heard it, which touch me deeply because they played a song for her over and over that I am now trying to remember and can’t. From there I learned that everyone in the Caribbean Community new Gil and Pat Bailey and listens to them every Saturday morning. Mrs. Pat and Mr. Bailey was legends even then. Mr. Bailey was known as the godfather of the Caribbean. Caribbean Independent radio program owners revere them and display much love for Mrs. Pat always. I have met Mrs. Pat a few times and exchanged pleasantries.
As patriarchs of the Caribbean Community in the New York diaspora, Mrs. Pat left a big shoe to fill and like radio personality Janice Julian said–at her funeral, Mrs. Pat was like a school teacher; she taught them how to do radio promotions, marketing, advertising and much more and she had no formal education. This in itself was an accomplishment and testament to her memory and someone is going to have to pick up where she left off and carry on the baton. Others gave testimony to her courage, strength and caring ways. One person I spoke with said she was the better half, with a smile. Together Mrs. Pat and Mr. Gil Bailey have 46 years in the broadcast business. They carry the longest running vibrant programs on the independent airwaves. On their radio WPAT, . you can catch them Saturday mornings from 9:30 until 3:00 pm.
Service for Mrs. Pat was held December 22, 2016 at the New Jerusalem Worship Center, located at 122-05 Smith Street, Jamaica, New York. Bishop Mervin Harding, officiated. The repasts took place at the same venue. Her interment was carried out at the Greenfield Cemetery, Uniondale, New York.
Mrs. Pat is survived by her husband Gilbert Bailey, 5 children, 14 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren among hosts of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Mrs. Pat had a great send off, she will be missed.
Highlights: All photos taken by C. Harrison except for the very last pic
