Cornelia Walker Bailey

I am deeply sorry that I never had the opportunity to meet this great woman, griot and keeper of our culture. We must continue to tell our stories.

I first learned about Sapelo Island from an article in Essence Magazine which featured Ms. Cornelia. I would later buy her book, and make my first visit to Sapelo in 1999. I made one trip back in 2003 and she and I ate watermelon at her kitchen table. May her spirit continue to inspire others to keep the legacy of Hog Hammock and Sapelo alive and thriving.

I just discovered her wonderful book. I had purchased the book at Esowon in Los Angeles. I was scrolling to find more information about the island, only to find out she had passed over. Many blessings to her family and loved ones. Much respect.

I feel cheated. I just finished her book, God, Dr. Buzzard and the Bolito Man, and as I read it I thought to myself: You have to go see this wonderful woman. Now in trying to learn more about her through the Internet, I find that she has left this world for worlds unknown by common man. When I bought the book in Beaufort, S.C., I had the young man who manned the bookstore sign it for me and in it he wrote, "May the spirit of the ancetors bless you with much abundance of your heart." I...

I met her for a private tour in 2002.she forever changed my life. A grand lady

Peace be upon you . My name is Ahmad Qadri. I had the honor and opportunity to meet Mrs Bailey and her family starting in 2001 to 2010.
She is a strong soul. Always warm and welcoming. In 2006 and 2007 I lead two school groups and camping trip for boys to Hog Hammock. Mrs. Bailey took her time to tell the young men the history of Sapelo Island and their history as Africans in America. I even shot a documentary called Sapelo at a Glance. Mrs. Bailey took me to visit the grave of of...

I met Cornelia many years ago when first owning land on a coastal river in McIntosh County. A trip to Sapelo was fortunate if you got to meet and talk with her. She was open to strangers, surrounded by family, excited to show you about her beloved island. I got to know more about the Gullah culture through her Sea Island festivals on St. Simons Island, and reading her book written with my friend Christena Bledsoe. She demonstrated the power of story, of sharing it with many, of respecting...

Dear Frank, Janet, and families of Sapelo, so grieved to find out today that your beautiful wife and mother has passed away. Yall have traveled in my heart for 25 years. In the ancient soil, among the buzzards in the craggy trees, and from out of the sea, our hearts pour out to you, while memories of Greg and Ol Glasco and The General visit me on this blue, green, and gray shadowy day. Blessed beyond words to have known you, as He said, Blessed are you in mourning. A great tribute and...

I remember visiting Sapelo three years ago and you welcome me by calling me your "Gullah-Gheech sister." My great-grandfather and his 6 brothers grew up on Sapelo. He lived to get the ripe old age of 118 years ago in Savannah, GA. I want to be a part of such rich tradition and culture by getting to know the people and purchasing land there. Cousin Cornelia Walker Bailey, you were an inspiration to the descendants of Sapelo. You aroused our curiosity to know more about ourselves and our...