Bailey passed away on Friday, December 3 while at home. She was 68 years old. She is survived by her husband, John, their three adult sons, and five grandchildren.
Bailey grew up in Denver and graduated from Denver East High School. She received her undergraduate degree at Princeton University, a master’s in Interdisciplinary Social Science, and a Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of Colorado. Bailey is also a recipient of various awards and is recognized for many accomplishments, like being inducted into the Colorado Association of School Boards' Hall of Fame. From 1988 to 1995, she served as an elected member of the DPS Board of Education.
DPS wrote in a statement about her sudden passing that, “her contributions will be felt for generations to come.”
Bailey’s impact went beyond the education system in Denver; she was a staple in the community making changes wherever she could, never sitting on the sidelines.
“She just did everything she could to be civically engaged in the community and that’s what I adored about her because she was always present and always available,” Fields described.
Fields expressed that grief is handled differently by everyone and encouraged friends and loved ones to reach out to the Bailey family during this sudden and tragic time.
“I’m not surprised that so many people have commented on the loss that we have experienced this week because it’s significant for us. And I don’t know who is going to fulfill the spot and the void that has been created by her loss,” Fields said. “We need to keep the family lifted in prayer because dealing with pain and grief and pain is difficult, and you can’t fast forward pain and grief; it’s a process. And so, Dr. Bailey is not going to be able to be with her family this Christmas, and we need to punch holes in any depression that the family might be experiencing. And just reach out to them and love them. We don’t need to ask a lot of questions; we just need to listen and provide support.”
There are two opportunities to pay your respects and say goodbye to Dr. Bailey. And for those who can't attend, New Hope will livestream on their youtube page.
- “Celebration of Life:” Friday, Dec. 10th from 6 to 8 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church
- “Home Going Service:” Saturday, Dec. 11th at 11 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to the Dr. Sharon Bailey Memorial Scholarship Fund sponsored by the Denver Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Bailey family.
Checks can be made payable to The Denver Foundation, 1009 Grant St., Denver, CO 80203.
Donations can also be made online directly to The Denver Foundation, where people can indicate that donation is in memory/honor of Sharon Bailey.
Lindsey Ford is a multimedia journalist with Rocky Mountain PBS. You can reach her at lindseyford@rmpbs.org.