Bessie Lenora Marie Fitch Bailey

Mrs. BessieLenora Marie Fitch Bailey, 93, of Daytona Beach, FL, passed away on Saturday morning at her home. She was born on June 25,1915, in Washington, D.C. to the late James Otis Fitch and Myrtle Willis Fitch. She attended public schools in Washington, D.C. After graduating from high school, Mrs. Bailey attended Minor Teachers College in the D.C. area. Mrs. Bailey was introduced to Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, founder of Bethune-Cookman College, by a friend, and later became Dr. Bethune's Personal Secretary for 20 years at the National Council of Negro Women Headquarters in Washington, D.C. She met her beloved husband, the late Lt. Charles P. Bailey. Mr. Bailey was introduced to Bessie by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune. They married on June 30,1946. To this union was born two sons, Charles P. Bailey Jr., and James A. Bailey, Sr. Upon Dr. Bethune's retirement from the National Council of Negro Women in Washington, she brought Mrs. Bailey with her. A position became available in the President's Office at Bethune-Cookman College. Dr.Bethune agreed to transferBessie to the President's Office where she served 25 years as Executive Secretary to Dr.Richard V. Moore, President. She spent the years since retirement collecting memorabilia of her husband, a Tuskegee Airman; and of Mrs. Mary McLeodBethune, Founder of Bethune-Cookman College and the Founder of the National Council of Negro Women, and relaxing at home. Her greatest joys were her sons, grandchildren, family pets and daily crossword puzzles. She leaves to cherish her memories, children: James Baily, Sr. (Wanda), CharlesBailey, Jr.; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; Goddaughters, Elizabeth Moore-Johnson, Patricia Bethune; a foster daughter, Essie Smith; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Funeral Services will be 1 p.m. today (Thursday, Dec. 11) at Stewart Memorial United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Dr. Walter E. Monroe, Jr., Pastor, Officiating.