Gerald Warren Bailey

Gerald “Jerry” Warren Bailey Sr., was the second oldest of seven children born to the late Frank W., Sr. and Adeline D. Bailey on December 19, 1950 in Cleveland, Ohio. As a young child, Jerry professed his faith in Jesus Christ and was baptized at East Mount Zion Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio.

Jerry excelled in his career in Information Technology (IT). His knowledge and expertise would take him all across the United States. Early in his career, Jerry held several civilian roles within the US military which started at Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Virginia. Then later it took him to Fort Benjamin Harrison Army Base in Indianapolis, Indiana. It was at this time that he would meet the love of his life and wife for over 30 years, Alice “Sherry” Forte Bailey. Jerry’s unique skill set caused him to be in high demand, so Jerry began working for himself and many major IT consulting firms. In the late 90’s, Jerry was sought out by many firms to lead their Y2K efforts. He eventually relocated his family to Fort Wayne, Indiana where he took a job at Lincoln Financial Re-Insurance. At the height of his career, Jerry became the Chief Technology Officer for the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana. While in Fort Wayne, Jerry held many roles until he retired and moved his family back to Indianapolis, Indiana.

Anyone who knows Jerry, knew he was a man of strong faith and trust in God. He received the call to preach the Gospel at a young age, while attending Stone’s Deliverance Evangelical Temple, in Akron, Ohio; where he was mentored and discipled into ministry by Pastor Mary L. Stone. While Jerry left Akron as a young man, he would often return there to preach the gospel and connect with lifelong friends that he called “family.” In retirement, Jerry devoted most of his time to studying and preaching the gospel to all who would listen. You could often find him and his wife volunteering at Wineskin Ministry Food Pantry where he took great pleasure in serving the people goth natural and spiritual food.

Jerry could be described as a man who lived life out loud. He spent his life living and encouraging others to find their God given purpose and pursue their dreams. Over the course of his life, Jerry touched the lives of so many, they cannot all be named. He had a big heart and was always looking for a way to help others. Jerry loved to cook! He would be the first to offer a home cooked meal, giving away goods he had gotten from volunteering at the pantry, or he’d volunteer to host the next barbeque or family gathering. Jerry also loved to travel with his friends and family. While he would travel all over the world, many can attest that his favorite place to visit was Walt Disney World! He certainly left a lasting impression on the hearts of many and he will be sorely missed.
In Jerry’s final days, he talked about his life’s journey and the lessons he had learned. It was clear that he loved God and his family. His heart’s desire it that we would all learn to FORGIVE, LAUGH, DREAM, HOPE, and above all LOVE!

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Alice “Sherry” Forte Bailey; children, Gerald “J.J.” (Tabitha), Erma Bailey-Wilson, Mary (Michael) Johnson, Shari, and Brian; stepsons, Derrick (Shelley) Harris, Darius Harris; and grandchildren, Christopher, Ebonee Thompson, Iyana Wilson, Lenice, Simeon, Demarian Harris, and Michael Johnson, Jr. He is also survived by siblings, Frank (Patricia), Gregory (Trenice), Dennis (Shirley), Anthony (Olivia), Deborah, and Adrienne “Pete”, along with a whole host of other family and friends.

Services are on Friday, February 19, 2021 at Legacy Cremation & Funeral Services – Lawrence. Due to the Pandemic, they are private.