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Donn Bailey Obituary
Bailey, Donn F. 75, of Chicago, beloved husband of the late June Bess Bailey, loving father of Marta Ann, Donna Lyn and Traja Melissa, passed into eternal life on December 21, 2007. A native of New Castle, Indiana, Dr. Bailey devoted 50 years to encouraging teachers of black children to better utilize the language and culture of African-Americans, specifically how black English/ Ebonics influenced the learning styles of black children. In 1965, he co-founded the Center for Inner City Studies (CICS) of Northeastern Illinois University, where he served as director and professor for 22 years. He also chaired the commission that oversaw the progress of Chicago schools' desegregation efforts from 1986-1990. Dr. Bailey was preceded in death by wife June Bess Bailey, brother Rex H. Bailey of Antioch, CA, and sister Kay P. Bailey Bassett of Peru, Indiana. He is survived by three daughters and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. Memorial services will be held Wednesday, January 2 at the Apostolic Church of God, 6303 S. Dorchester, Chicago; wake at 10:30 am and funeral at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Jacob Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, Northeastern Illinois University, 5500 N. St. Louis Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625. 
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Memories and Condolences
for Donn Bailey
Paula Dubester Zerfoss
January 28, 2008
My dear friend and mentor, you will be missed.
I am sad for your daughters who will miss you so terribly. I am happy for the amazing and beautiful June, with whom, as Marta says, you are "dancing in heaven"! You were an inspiration academically and personally. You taught me how not to be afraid to stand up and be counted when I was just a little undergrad at PSU...I am forever grateful.
Tina Daniels
January 4, 2008
Daddy Donn, I considered you and Miss June as my family in Chicago. The sense of sadness that I have will never go away, but the many memories I have of you, Miss June, Marta, and Donna will fortify us.
Tina
Santos Rivera
January 3, 2008
Donn was a wonderful person and a great role model for many of us. Thank you, Dr. Bailey, for what you gave us . . .
Taki S. Raton
January 2, 2008
Dr. Bailey was indeed a trailblazer with purpose and direction in the growth and development of the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies and specifically in addressing the challenges and success paths in the education and development of African American children. I am very blessed and proud to have known Dr. Bailey and to have had him as my masters thesis advisor at the center in 1982. We are indeed indebted to continue our support for the center and carry forth not only his vision but the work and commitment of those great scholar warriors from CICS, such as Dr. Carruthers, upon whose mighty shoulders we now stand.
Donald R. Linder
January 1, 2008
I am deeply saddened the passing of Brother Donn,please accept my humble condolences, I was both a student and staff member during Brother Donn's tenure at CICS.I had and have the highest of respect and love for Brother Donn.He surely will be missed.
Donald R.Linder,Ph.d (1967-1979)
Dr. Najee Emerson Muhammad
January 1, 2008
~ Blessings and Peace,
i am deeply saddened to hear of Brother Donn's transition; please accept my very humble and sincere condolences. i worked at the Center from 1973-1982 with the Cultural Liguistic Approach Follow Through Program, so i had the opportunity to work with him (back then and before i changed my name, i was known to everyone as Kawana Emerson Sherman)and am well aware of his contributions to our community and people.
May the Creator of all that is and will be, Bless him, have mercy on him, and grant him paradise. i remain respectflly,
Janice Wright
January 1, 2008
I was saddened to hear that Donn has left us. I will always remember the wisdom he shared, his love of life and his commitment to the education of African American children. Donn was a mentor to me when I was a young professional in the field of communication disorders. Please accept my deepest sympathy on your loss. May your many loving memories bring you comfort
Bonnie Orton
December 30, 2007
Donn's death so closely followed the demise of his beloved June that although I miss them, I am comforted by the knowledge that they are together again - ad infinitum. I shall always remember the good times we shared.
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