Rev. Beresforde. Bailey

Reverend Beresford E. Bailey, 86, returned peacefully to his heavenly home on August 30, 2015. His devotion to his family, church and community and belief in God sustained him. He was a spiritual shepherd and Community Leader. He was a Christian gentlemen with a winning smile and a humble soul.
Reverend Bailey, the son of the late James Bailey and Ina Cassell, was born on the Island of Jamaica, West Indies, and came to the United States to further his education. Through his continuing faith in the Lord, hard work, and determination he received three (3) Master degrees: Master of Science Degree in Agronomy, Pennsylvania State University, a Masters in Divinity Degree from Vanderbilt University Theological Seminary, and a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Tennessee. Reverend Bailey was an excellent student graduating "Suma Cum Laude" in each of his classes.
In 1954, Reverend Bailey was ordained into the Christian Ministry by the Bethany Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas. In 1955, he accepted the position of Assistant Pastor of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, Nashville, Tennessee, and in 1962, he became the Pastor of Cecelia Memorial Presbyterian Church, Bowling Green, Kentucky.
From 1959 to 1970, Reverend Bailey worked for the United Methodist Centers and the Metropolitan Commissions of Nashville, Tennessee, in a variety of positions. In 1970, he moved to Albany, NY to assume the position of Executive Director of Camp Opportunities, Inc. and held that position for 32 years before retiring on December 31, 1999.
From June 1971 to March 1978, he served as Assistant Pastor of Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church, Albany, NY and March 1978, he was called to pastor that congregation. He served as pastor of Mount Olive for four years retiring in January 1982.
In February 1982, Reverend Bailey founded the Star of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church where he served faithfully as pastor until March 2015 when he retired.
Reverend Bailey spent his whole life working to make life better for others. To the hungry, he offered food. To the sick, he offered company. To the lost, he offered guidance and Jesus Christ. Evangelism and securing employment opportunities for those in need was an integral part of his ministry. His compassion and love for others will never be forgotten. His presence will certainly be missed. His shoes will never be filled.
Reverend Bailey leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Naomi Bailey; son, Beresford (Batoire) Bailey, Jr.; brothers, Sam Cassell (Katharine), Hugh Cassell and Lareston (Ethel) Bailey, Jamaica, West Indies; Sister Evelyn Cassell, Albany, NY; four brother-in-laws; Charles Buford (Sandra), Joseph Buford (Jean), Ray Buford (Lucille), Hildred Buford (Marylyn), Nashville, Tennessee and two Sister -in-Laws; Vivian Buford and Barbara Buford, Nashville, Tennessee and a host of nieces, nephews, friends and love ones.
Special acknowledgement to nephew Beresford Williams and niece Kay Williams for their love, care, support and commitment and also to devoted friends Ida White and Gussie Johnson.
Interment at the Memory Gardens Cemetery and Memorial Park, 983 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Albany, NY, immediately following the 11:00 am services at the Macedonia Baptist Church, 26 Wilson Street, Albany, NY.