Lisa Marie Hemmingway

With heavy hearts and profound love, we celebrate the life of a radiant and spirited woman, who passed away peacefully on September 11, 2025. Lisa was a bright light, full of life, laughter, and unwavering positive energy that touched everyone she encountered.

Born in 1960 in Hollywood, Florida, she was the beloved daughter of Essie Marl Bailey and the late Kenneth Bailey. Raised in the heart of Coconut Grove, she grew up surrounded by a close-knit community that was more than just neighbors-they were extended family. Her childhood was filled with the joy of shared holidays, laughter-filled family gatherings, and a neighborhood bond that has endured through generations. Her parents were known for hosting cherished Christmas celebrations that brought everyone together, forming memories that live on.

Her Father wanted the girls to experience the world, and these weren't just ordinary trips-they were road trips filled with discovery, love, and laughter. From Miami to Washington, D.C., Buffalo, New York, Alabama, Tennessee, and countless other destinations, they explored the very places they had read about in books. They didn't stop at the U.S. borders either-traveling to Canada, the Caribbean Islands, and visiting nearly every major attraction in Florida.

Lisa was educated in the Miami-Dade County Public School system, proudly graduating from Coral Gables Senior High School. She pursued higher education at Clark College (now Clark Atlanta University) and Florida Memorial University, continuing her commitment to personal growth and service.

Her professional journey reflected her dedication and compassion. She began her career as a Pharmacy Technician with Eckerd Drugs and served in a Child Care Center, nurturing the lives of young children. Eventually, she found her calling within the Miami-Dade County Public Schools, where she served with distinction for 38 years. Starting at Frances S. Tucker Elementary School and later working at the District Office, she retired in 2022-leaving behind a legacy of excellence and a job well done.

Even in retirement, her nurturing spirit never rested. She devoted herself to caring for her mother during the day and pouring love and guidance into raising her two children-her pride and joy.

Lisa was a woman deeply rooted in faith. Raised in Sweetfield Baptist Church, she maintained her spiritual walk through the years, connecting with various church homes but ultimately returning to where her journey began-Sweetfield. Her faith was not only professed but lived, and she passed that legacy to her children with wisdom, grace, and the powerful lessons of prayer and perseverance.

In her early years, she married and welcomed her beautiful daughter, Aerial, and later in life, she married again and was blessed with her beloved son, Darren. Her children were the center of her world, and she was immensely proud of the remarkable individuals they have become-a reflection of her guidance, strength, and unshakable love.

Lisa leaves behind a legacy of kindness, laughter, dedication, and faith. She was a mother, daughter, sister, friend, and mentor-a beautiful soul whose light will never dim in the hearts of those who knew her.

She is survived by her loving mother Essie Murl Bailey, her daughter Aerial Rome, her son Darren Hemmingway, Sister Loretta Dee Bailey-Berryhill (Curtis), Uncle Henry Daniels (Lydia), God sisters, Debra Dunn and Angela Smith, God Brothers Richard Hudson, William McKinney and Kenneth Daniels and host of God Children, devoted family members, lifelong friends, and her cherished extended community who continue to carry the spirit of love and unity she so beautifully embodied.

To send a flower arrangement in memory of Lisa Marie Bailey Hemmingway, please click here to visit our sympathy store.