Blanche “Fay” Bailey, 82, passed away peacefully in Chesapeake, Virginia, on Saturday, March 7, 2026.

Born on September 4, 1943, in Montgomery, Alabama, Fay spent her early years in the South before later settling in Arlington, Virginia. On June 22, 1963, she married the love of her life, Charles Steven Bailey (1941–2010). Together they built a life in Northern Virginia centered on family, faith, laughter, and unwavering love. Charles was the great love of Fay’s life, and even after his passing in 2010, she carried his memory and their shared life together close to her heart.

Fay was the eldest daughter of Ruth and Joseph Nicholson and a beloved sister to Olivia Taylor, who preceded her in death in 2025. She is lovingly remembered by her children, Melinda Bailey and Ernest Woodard, Stephanie Bailey Dewald and her husband John, and Michael Bailey. More than anything, Fay was an incredibly devoted and loving mother. Her children were her greatest pride and joy, and she gave them a lifetime of unconditional love, encouragement, laughter, and support. Her family will forever be grateful for the strength, warmth, and love she poured into their lives every single day.

Fay is also survived by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whom she loved deeply and cherished beyond measure: Jessica Bailey, CJ Owens, Seth Owens, Landon Lynn, and Olivia Weekes; Courtney Wilson and her husband Jordan and children Murphy and Wyatt; Kelsey Kerby and her husband Jimmy and children Elora and Rowen; Jacob Hall and son Theo; Emily Dewald and Wyatt Simmons; Anthony Pereira and his wife Rachel and son Liam; Stephanie Potter and her husband Andrew and daughter Amelia; Sabrina Bailey; and Sofia Stanziola. Being “Nanny” brought her endless happiness, and nothing meant more to her than time spent with her family.

She also leaves behind her extended family, including Ronnie, Angela, Richard, Jolie, and Brandon Taylor; her Aunt Mildred and Dusty Rhodes; and cousins William, Cindy, and Roland Rhodes of Wetumpka, Alabama. She was blessed with many dear friends and coworkers who became like family over the years, whose lives she touched with her kindness, warmth, and humor.

Fay will always be remembered for her incredibly generous heart, her quick wit, and the playful jokes and pranks she loved to share with family and friends. She carried a deep pride in her Southern roots and a lifelong love for the state of Alabama. She was also a devoted fan of Elvis Presley, and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” remained one of her favorite songs. Her faith in God guided her throughout her life and gave her strength and peace. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she is now reunited in heaven with her beloved husband Charles and those who went before her.

Fay’s love, laughter, and spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She was a truly remarkable mother, grandmother, and friend, and her family will forever be grateful for the gift of having her in their lives.

A memorial service celebrating Fay’s life will be held for family at Pineview Memorial Gardens in Wetumpka, Alabama, on Saturday, June 27, 2026.