By Genoa Barrow | OBSERVER Senior Staff Writer
Local artist Marshall Dean Bailey saw the beauty in African Americans and dedicated his life to capturing them and sharing their essence with the world. He “got it from his mama” as they say.
Bailey, who was also a well-respected art advocate, died on July 9 at the age of 69. His passing came just four days after the loss of his beloved mother, Yvonne Bailey, who died July 5.
Marshall Dean Bailey was born in Sacramento on December 4, 1953 to Yvonne and Henry Bailey. He attended Sacramento High school and after graduating, went on to Chico State where he studied art and photography.
Marshall Dean Bailey was a world traveler and took beautiful photos wherever he went. He was multi-talented and well known in the local art community. His friend list read like a Who’s Who of Local Black Artists. Described as generous and encouraging, Marshall supported fellow artists at every opportunity. He, along with Iris Dimond, co-founded the Kuumba Collective Art Gallery. He was also active in the Sacramento African American Art Collective, at one point, helping to craft a map that showed art lovers where to see–and purchase art from local Black artisans.
Bailey’s artwork was displayed in the African Marketplace at the Florin Square Complex and featured at the Crocker Art Museum. He spearheaded the still talked about Mudcloth Madness showcase there in 2011.
Honor Thy Mother
Yvonne Audrey-Annette Bailey was born in Sacramento on January 22, 1929, to Helen Virginia Cady and Walter Maddox. An only child, she was much loved by her parents.
Yvonne was known to keep a positive attitude. She accepted Christ into her life at a later age. She also found love later in life, meeting and marrying Henry Marshall Bailey. The couple was blessed with five children– four daughters and a son.
Yvonne and Henry were known as the life of the party and often hosted basement parties for family and friends.
Yvonne Bailey worked at the Sacramento Printing Plant for more than 20 years until retirement. A faithful employee, she walked to and from work every day. She worked at night in order to take care of her family and see her children off to school every day and so she could be at home to greet them when they returned. Yvonne was revered as a mother and nurturer who loved to cook and laugh. Relatives say she was quick to tell a joke or say
funny things out of the blue. She loved to read, dance and sing.
As her health began to decline, Yvonne’s children took care of her, as she’d done so lovingly for them in years past.
Yvonne was preceded in death by her husband Henry; parents Helen and Walter; daughter Michelle; and followed in passing by her only son, Marshall. They both leave to cherish their memories, daughters/sisters Dawn, April and Helen Bailey and a host of family and close friends.
A dual service for the Baileys will be held at St. Andrews AME Church, 2131 8th Street, at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 1. They will be interred at Camellia Memorial Lawn, 10221 Jackson Road, at 1:00 p.m.