Dorothy L. Stewart-Bailey

Dorothy Louise Crawford Stewart-Bailey was born on June 21, 1935 in Tuskegee, Alabama to the late John and Matilda Crawford.  She was one of eight children.  She accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age at the Spring Hill Baptist Church. She attended Cotton Valley School in Tuskegee through the 8th grade until the family relocated to Newport, Kentucky.  She and the family united with Second Baptist Church, Rev. Harry Brown.  She graduated from William Grant High School, Covington, Kentucky which had been established for African American students.

Dorothy was united in marriage to the late Arthur Stewart in 1958.  To this union one son, Victor, was born.  Dorothy was a loving wife and mother. She hosted several family gatherings on Toluca Ct. in College Hill where she prepared her signature and delectable salmon croquettes and chili.  Dorothy was an independent make-up consultant for Fashion Two-Twenty.  She was an exceptional make-up artist, and her skills and high sales earned her a brand-new car.  Her make-up was always flawless and her sense of style set her apart as a diva and a fashionista.

Dorothy joined Southern Baptist Church, Cincinnati, Ohio, Rev. James E. Milton, pastor.  Dorothy was faithful in ministry work at Southern Baptist.  She served as a Sunday School teacher and a member of the Missionary Society.

As a community worker, she was a member of the Cincinnati Federation of Colored Women’s Club where she participated for several years.  She was employed by Avon for several years until retirement.  After retirement, Dorothy relocated to Atlanta, Georgia to be near her son, Victor.  Victor was a very active member at New Beginning Full Gospel Baptist Church Bishop James H. Morton, pastor and she decided to join him there.  Under the leadership of Bishop Morton, she was licensed as a minister of the Gospel on March 13, 1996 and ordained as an Elder on August 30, 1997.  

Dorothy was active with the Praise Dance Ministry and the Prayer Warriors.  She served faithfully many years until failing health.  Though unable to attend church services, she continued her prayer ministry through the Saturday morning Family Prayer line established by her cousin Michael Ellington.  Members from all over the country joined by phone for prayer and praise reports. 

Dorothy and Joseph Ivan Bailey were united in marriage on February 25, 1995.   They resided in Stone Mt. GA.  He was a devoted husband and caregiver until her health declined and skilled nursing care was needed.  During his frequent visits to the nursing home, he faithfully brought her home cooked meals and other treats from her favorite restaurants. 

Shortly after her marriage to Joseph, Dorothy embarked on a part-time position with the Decatur school district as an aide to students with special needs while being transported to and from school.  She showered them with love, and they loved her in return.   She continued with this ministry to the children until failing health.

Dorothy transitioned from this earthly life in the early hours of February 5, 2023.  She is preceded in death by her parents, John and Matilda; son, Victor; three sisters, Johnnie Mae Crawford of Chicago, IL, Josie Free of Cincinnati, OH, Martha Green of Cincinnati, OH, two brothers, Eugene Crawford, Cincinnati, OH, Richard Crawford of Jonestown, GA.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: loving husband Joseph of Stone Mt. GA, granddaughter, Gina Stewart of Johns Creek, GA; brother, Robert Crawford (Dianna) of Cincinnati, OH, and baby sister, E. Jean West (Richard) of Cincinnati, OH.

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