MARGARET ANNE BAILEY-COOLEY

Margaret Anne Bailey was born on August 24th 1959 to George and Martha Bailey, the fifth of five daughters. From an early age Margaret was inquisitive, enjoyed learning, playing games, talking and enjoyed company from other children to uncles and aunts. She was the life of the party. She brough so much joy to her family and friends. Margaret followed her sisters to the Charles W. Henry Elementary School then to the academically select Philadelphia High School for Girls, 221. In high school, she was a member of Treble Cleff and also played cello.

Following high school, Margaret attended The George Washington University. She accepted a paralegal position at Howrey, Simon Arnold and White of Washington, DC, the first national antitrust Firm. She especially loved working with the attorneys and their clients on the class action lawsuits. She was very concerned about social justice and got involved as a worker in election campaigns for candidates she believed in.

She met Richard Cooley in 1993 and married in 1994. Their friendship and relationship built on their love of church (Deliverance Evangelical in Phila. PA), music and conversation. To this union was born Ashley Elizabeth, the love of Margaret’s life and her best friend. They were friends, enjoying reading, music, theatre and life together. Through the years, they supported one another through life.

Margaret has gone home to be with God. She is reuniting with her parents, grandparents, her beloved Aunt Freddye Mae Ashford and her uncles, Doug and Ralph George. She leaves behind her husband Richard, her daughter, Ashley. Four sisters: Kathleen, Gwendolyn, Marolyn, and Susan. A brother in law, Kevin, a nephew, George and his wife La and three nieces, Khalisa,  Nia, and Naima and many cousins through the Brown and George families.

Margaret was effervescent, a consistent fact checker, and a tech assistant to many. She enjoyed life, conversations and people. She was an excellent cook and would drop knowledge and advice, whether asked or not. She served dutifully as the secretary of the Near East Area Commission. She volunteered at Ashley’s elementary school, Ecole Kenwood and her middle school, Columbus School for Girls. Her excitement for life was contagious and everyone who met her loved her. She helped anyone feel a part of her family. To honor her memory, we must be kind to one another, always see the possibilities and never give up.

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