Bailey Barash

BARASH, Bailey Smith

Bailey Smith Barash, born October 28, 1943, died peacefully in her home in Lake Claire on January 20, 2025, from pancreatic cancer.

Feisty, fierce, curious, discerning, bold, Bailey was an award-winning journalist, advocate, activist, and world traveler. Having grown up in Atlanta, Georgia, Bailey studied at UGA for both her undergraduate and master's degrees. Between working and personal travel, Bailey explored the world, starting with her Fulbright Fellowship in Molecular Genetic Research during grad school in Australia. She married Don Barash, a social worker, in the mid 1970s. They welcomed their son, Max, a few years later.

In 1980, Bailey went to work at the nascent cable news network, CNN, a month before it went on air. She learned on the job while also navigating the difficult and challenging world of being a woman in journalism during that time. After five years, she transitioned exclusively to science news, eventually becoming the Executive Producer of the Science and Medical Units.

Bailey left CNN in 1999 to become an independent documentary filmmaker, dedicating her work to uplifting stories she felt needed to be heard.

Bailey is survived by her husband and son, Don and Max Barash, as well as her brothers, Daniel and Russell Smith.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the following organizations: GLAHR (Georgia Latino Alliance for Human Rights), Alternate ROOTS, and a hospice or social justice organization of your choice. Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999.