Ross Nathaniel Hailey Jr.

1958 - 2018

Ross Nathaniel Hailey Jr.,60, was born November 22, 1958 to the union of Ross N. Hailey and Hattie Mae Best Hailey in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He transitioned from earth to his heavenly home on November 27, 2018 peacefully in his sleep. He was proceeded in death by his parents, stepmother CoraLee Hailey, his foster mother Shirley Cooper, his sisters Marilyn Jeanette Johnson and Mary Cassette Richardson, his brother Milton Boddie, and nephew Jimmy Jermaine Richardson, all of N.C. Ross was educated in the Rocky Mount Nash County School System and furthered his education at Trinity College. His love for working with young people led him to various jobs involving youth. Before becoming ill, he was last employed in Newport News Public Schools, where he served as a Parent Involvement Specialist. He was baptized at an early age and attended East End Baptist Church in Rocky Mount where the pastor recognized his gifts and licensed him to preach at the age of 13 years. He later moved to Newport News, Virginia and united with Faith Baptist Church where he became the church musician. He later became Minister of Music for Sixth Mount Zion in Hampton, Virginia; and First United Baptist Church and Second Baptist Church East End, in Newport News, Virginia. His musical talents allowed him to play for many churches far and wide. He formed many choirs; such as, Booker T. Washington Community Choir in North Carolina and East End Community Choir in Virginia. He went on to plant and Pastor YADAH Open Door Kingdom Church, one of his proudest accomplishments. Left to cherish loving memories are his sons Bishop Ed'ward Johnson (Antoinette), Kensington Johnson (Karlyse), and Kentrall Johnson all of Virginia. Six brothers: John Hailey, and Timothy Hailey of Virginia, Steven Hailey (Phyllis) of Maryland, Milton Bullock and Maurice Hailey of Georgia, and Michael Cooper (Elois) of Florida. Four Sisters: Rev. Eleanor Hailey of Newport News, Virginia, Bernetta Hailey Jack, Tawanda Hailey, and Teresa Juneo all in North Carolina, special Aunt, Margaret Best, his favorite cousin, Dr. Terri L. Best, grandchildren, and a host of great aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. Viewing will begin Friday, November 30th from noon until 6:00 p.m. at Fisher Funeral Home 2117 Madison Ave. in Newport News. The home going service will be held Saturday, December 1st at Zion Baptist Church, 633-20th St at 11:00 a.m. The family will receive guest at 208 Watkins Dr., Hampton, VA.