Dr. Callie Mae Bailey's Obituary
HER STORY
Dr. Callie Bailey, affectionately known as “Callie Mae”, was born for Lilbert and Janett Alexander on May 2, 1948 in Mississippi. The family then moved to Chicago, Illinois and shortly moved to West Oakland, California. As they sought a better way of life by settling in West Oakland, they found closely tight-knit families and eventually planted their religious flag in a budding congregation at Greater Mingleton Temple where she accepted Christ at an early age. This closely tight-knit group of Southerners and Mid-Westerners would serve her well all throughout her life.
Dr. Callie M. Bailey, also known as Mother Callie, was a proud West Oaklander, attending Cole Elementary School, Lowell Junior High School, McClymonds High School and Laney Junior College. She enjoyed her Black Student Union (B.S.U.) days. Though if ever asked, Mother Callie, would tell you her greatest, most rewarding and formidable years were in the church of Greater Mingleton Temple. It was there she learned most of what would shape her for the rest of her life. There she would sing until she learned to “sang”. She sang in choirs as a soloist, in quartets and more. While still a young woman, Mother Callie was found to be with child and that child would turn out to be an exceptionally talented young man named Orlando Watkins. She later met and married, Ron Bean, which from that union came Alesia Bean and Ronald Bean.
She was later introduced to her traveling mate, Eric R. Bailey Sr., by her dear friend Betty Jean. They were married and from that union came Eric R. Bailey II and Erving Bailey.
Mother Callie was a worker. She held many jobs until she found her niche and passion. She worked at Department Stores, The Cannery and General Motors. There were three jobs that touched her: 1. selling insurance, in which she rose to the top ten in California; 2. managing Woody’s Liquor Store, where she was able to work with her community extending residents credit; and 3. Telecare Health Services, which she retired from due to her health complications.
Though with all that Mother Callie had done in her work portion of life, absolutely nothing gave her more joy than managing her son, Orlando Watkins and the East Bay Community Choir. Under her tutelage and mentorship, the choir sang to packed houses across the State of California. That time period and how the East Bay Community Choir, through dong, drew young people to Christ, has yet to be matched. She was always grateful for the opportunity to mentor and minister to the hundreds of young people that came through the choir.
Mother Callie was a 100% exonerator born to bear witness to the truth of scripture. The calling on her life to ministry was noticed by all that came in contact with her as she was unapologetic about her love for God. After much prayer, she became Evangelist Callie Bailey, undertaking a series of courses to study to become an ordained Minister. She continued studying for her Doctorate of Ministry and later installed as a Pastor by Bishop Lamar Brown.
What’s your fondest memory of Callie?
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Share a story where Callie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Callie you’ll never forget.
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