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Mona Bailey Obituary
Mona Humphries Bailey of Seattle, Washington was born December 14, 1932 in Apalachicola, Florida. On January 12, 2018 Mona went to be with the Lord after her courageous example of living with cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family. Mona Humphries Bailey was a loving devoted Wife to her beloved Husband William P. (Pete) Bailey and Mother of her two beloved sons: Colonel Peter Govan Bailey, United States Air Force of Montgomery, Alabama and Christopher Evans Bailey (Chelsea) of Seattle Washington, Founder and CEO of the Seattle based company, MindSeekers.
Biography Section:
Mona Humphries Bailey has been defined by her three passions; Family, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., and K-12 Education.
In her thirty-two year career in public education, Mona Bailey worked to promote equity and excellence for all students. She has served as an educator in Administration and as Assistant and Deputy Superintendent of Seattle Public Schools, and as Assistant State Superintendent in the Washington State Office of Public Instruction. In her retirement, she continued to remain active in many Seattle based education and advocacy organizations to reform K-12 education. She also served as the Head of School and the Mistress of Generals for The Forest Ridge Sacred Heart School.
Mona co-chaired the HB2722 State Advisory Committee to Close the Achievement Gap of African American Students in the State of Washington. She also served on the Pacific Science Center Board of Directors and chaired its Science Education Advisory Committee; the Seattle Art Museum's Education and Community Advisory Committee; United Way of King County's Community Building Committee; the Seattle YWCA's Communities of Color Advisory Committee; and the Black Education Strategy Roundtable Board of Directors. She was a founding member of School Board Leaders for the Future. She was also a long time member of the Seattle Rotary Club
Mona received many awards throughout her lifetime including, but not limited to one of the 100 Black Influential Black Americans, The Who's Who Among Women, and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc highest bestowed Mary Church Terrell Award.
Mona had a BS Degree in Chemistry from Florida A&M University an MS in Science Education from Oregon State University, and ABD Doctoral Program at the University of Washington.
Family Details
Mona is proceeded by her parents Minnie Henry & Thornton Govan Humphries of Apalachicola, Florida and brother Thornton Govan Humphries Jr. of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
She is survived by her Beloved Husband Pete Bailey, and her two beloved sons: Colonel Peter Govan Bailey, Montgomery, Alabama and Christopher Evans Bailey (Chelsea) of Seattle Washington. Grandchildren: Peter Tre Bailey (Tre) of Washington D.C, Taylor Govan Bailey of Seattle, Washington, Addysen Marie Bailey of Wichita, Kansas, Grace Catharine Bailey of Seattle, Washington
Her beloved siblings: Late Thornton Govan Humphries (Maude), Maime Stevens, Frederick Stephen Humphries, Barbara Jones (Milton), her beloved younger sister and best friend, her Beloved Sister-in-Laws Julia Green and Martha Brown.
She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends and her Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., sisters.
Services to be held:
Thursday, January 18, 2018 4:00PM-7:00PM
St. Monica Church
4301 88th Ave SE, Mercer Island, Washington 98040
The Viewing and Visitations will be followed by the Holy Rosary and the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Service,
open to the public.
Friday, January 19, 2018
The Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 AM at St. Monica Church, 4301 88th Ave SE, Mercer Island, Washington 98040
Acknowledgements:
The family wishes to express our deep appreciation for your kindness, sympathy and Prayers. A special thank you to Dr. Saul E. Rivkin and Dr. Vincent J. Picozzi at Cancer Center.
Mona had a love for crimson and white flowers; and a passion for the following charities that we would encourage you to support:
Pacific Science Center, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Research Foundation and Florida A&M University Minnie Henry Humphries Scholarship Fund in memory of her Mother.
Online condolences can be left at http://bonneywatson.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mona Bailey
Sponsored by The Family.
Richard Phillips
September 22, 2024
Mrs.Bailey made profound impression on me as my principal at Meany Middle School. Looking back now, I realize what a wonderful staff we had. So many great teachers. Dee Dee Rainbow was an amazing addition and I'll remember those days as long as I take up space on this earth. RIP Mona Bailey.
Jill and Rod Hearne
February 6, 2018
I was fortunate enough to work with Mona twice. She was my mentor and friend. Over the years we worked on many substantive issues together.and she defined Grace under pressure. A loss to the world....love to you. Family and friends.
Jill Hearne, PhD.
My husband , Rod, joins me in sorrow and admiration.
Cynthia Shaw
February 4, 2018
With enduring respect, I have never forgotten Ms. Mona Bailey who was our principal at Meany Middle School (then "Jr. High"), because of her intelligence, grace, fairness, and leadership. In the midst of the dual storms of adolescent identity confusion and racial tensions bubbling up in many Seattle schools, by her nature Principal Bailey brought a sense of steadiness and calm to those stormy times. Her presence left a positive mark on many students, of all colors, and her pioneering legacy of passionate service to equity in public education (in Seattle and across the State of Washington) will benefit students and educators alike, for years to come. Thank you for your tireless service, Ms. Mona Bailey. My deep condolences to her family, friends and community for their loss...she will also be missed by countless others. -Cynthia Shaw
Cynthia Shaw
February 4, 2018
With enduring respect, I have never forgotten Ms. Mona Bailey who was our principal at Meany Middle School (then "Jr. High"), because of her intelligence, grace, fairness, and leadership. In the midst of the dual storms of adolescent identity confusion and racial tensions bubbling up in many Seattle schools, by her nature Principal Bailey brought a sense of steadiness and calm to those stormy times. Her presence left a positive mark on many students, of all colors, and her pioneering legacy of passionate service to equity in public education (in Seattle and across the State of Washington) will benefit students and educators alike, for years to come. Thank you for your tireless service, Ms. Mona Bailey. My deep condolences to her family, friends and community for their loss...she will also be missed by countless others.
Dr. Dhyana Ziegler
January 25, 2018
Rest in Peace Soror! Your light will continue to shine bright along with your legacy.
Erica N. Wright
January 25, 2018
She was a woman of standards. Great leader. Cordial and full of grace. Everytime we spoke, I was inspired. She will be missed. My condolences to her family and loved ones.
L. Maxine McGhee Williams
January 24, 2018
A beautiful person.
A great leader.
She will be missed,but not forgotten.
Deepest sympathy.
Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Felicia Kline
January 23, 2018
My thoughts and prayers are with Soror Humphries Bailey's family, friends and fellow sorors around the globe during this difficult time. It was an honor knowing her and working with her when I lived in Seattle. She was a great role model, leader, soror and friend.
Seattle, the educational community/STEM, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will miss her dearly.
Rest in Heaven, beautiful soror. We love you.
Sandra Varner
January 22, 2018
Met her a few years ago in San Diego during Founder's Day activities--such a gracious, poised and sincere presence. She lived a life inspiring others--THANK YOU Soror Mona!
Winthrop Stewart Cameron
January 20, 2018
Mrs. Bailey was serving SSD#1 in the capacity of Deputy Superintendent when she recruited myself to apply to the district as a candidate for the principal of
AAA #503, The African American Academy. After my recruitment and selection, Mrs. Bailey modeled leadership and appointed several mentors to coach me as I served this school
I appreciated greatly and highly regarded her counsel, her professionalism, her exquisite class, and her broad depth of kknowledge and experience in the educational arena. Her strength and ability to work amidst diversity and tough political climates, with integrity, keeping the "main thing" the main thing, i.e. equity and quality education for all students.
I am saddened to learn of her death, yet I know "One ounce of truth benefits like ripples on a pond". She was more than one ounce, operated in her truth, and was many a ripple to me and all she leaves behind to carry out her gallant legacy. Rejoice in the Heavens Mrs. Bailey with HIM whose truth benefits us all. Warmest condolences to all her family, colleagues in education, & DST, Inc.
January 19, 2018
My sincere condolences to the family and friends who lost her. May our loving Heavenly Father support you during this difficult time.- Ps. 94:19
MENTHOLA STEVENSON
January 18, 2018
Condolences to family and friends. Soror Bailey was a person of love, strength, and caring. Her beautiful spirit will be missed.
Stanley White
January 18, 2018
Mona will be in my prayers as long as l'm still here.
Cheryl Peavy Williams
January 17, 2018
A Woman with Compassion for Social Welfare
Cheryl Peavy Williams
January 17, 2018
Anna-Maria de la Fuente
January 17, 2018
Rest in peace, Mona Bailey. You were a role model to me and to so many in the MESA family. I learned so much about leadership, professionalism, and advocacy by watching and listening to you. There are several women who have influenced the person I strive to be; I'll never come close to you, but you will always be at the top of that list. I am honored to have had the privilege of learning from you.
Madeline Marcelia Garvin
January 17, 2018
Dear Family and Friends of Mrs. Mona Humphries Bailey,
During this time of mourning, I am grieving with you. I met this beautiful, elegant, masterful, dynamic Delta lady in 1981. And I never forgot the encounter because she encouraged others to learn and share the acquired knowledge. I will miss seeing her physical being; yet, her SPIRIT is with me and a host of others. Be comforted knowing she is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Madeline Marcelia Garvin
January 17, 2018
Dear Family and Friends of Mrs. Mona Humphries Bailey,
During this time of mourning, I am grieving with you. I met this beautiful, elegant, masterful, dynamic Delta lady in 1981. And I never forgot the encounter because she encouraged others to learn and share the acquired knowledge. I will miss seeing her physical being; yet, her SPIRIT is with me and a host of others. Be comforted knowing she is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Joanne Testacross
January 17, 2018
I was a very new principal at Meany Middle School when Ms. Bailey was the Assistant Superintendent in Seattle Schools. I recall her calm and gracious manner and her stately and rather disarming demeanor. I invited her to be our guest speaker at graduation. At the event, I remember how she nudged me as we all sat on the platform when the 8th graders entered, whispering, " I believe we are waiting to follow your lead." I suddenly realized she was telling me to stand. I was embarrassed but so grateful for the quick coaching. I was equally grateful at the way she helped me in all matters as an emerging school leader.
That was 23 years ago and I haven't thought of her much since. I am still in educational leadership as a consultant in LA. However this morning I woke up and she came into my head and I wondered where she was and what happened to her. She was in my mind all morning so I decided to look her up, only to discover that she had just passed away and her funeral is tomorrow. The timing seems no coincidence. I wanted to take this opportunity to "stand" and give tribute to her.
She was a powerful force and a strong leader. She was a role model to me as a relentless advocate for education, as a female leader and as a Black woman. I hope she died peacefully and with full awareness of the marvelous impact her life has made on loved ones and in her profession. I wish I could attend but I am there in heart and spirit.
January 17, 2018
May your family find the comfort and support they need during this difficult time (Isaiah 61:1,2)
Sandra Thompson
January 16, 2018
Rest on Rattler!
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