Janice Darden

Bailey

Ecclesiastes 3:1 states: "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."

A TIME TO BE BORN

Janice Darden Bailey was born August 21, 1937 in Norfolk, Virginia, the 3rd of 3 children, to Howard and Blanche Darden. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Howard Darden, Jr. and Aaron Darden.

A TIME TO GROW

Janice attended school in Norfolk, VA where she graduated Salutatorian at Booker T. Washington High School. She furthered her education at Norfolk State College (now University) majoring in Accounting where she graduated Valedictorian of her class. She was a member of the first Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. line at Norfolk State. She was so focused and well respected that she was often asked to cover classes for instructors in the business department at NSU to allow them some time off. She performed secretarial work for A Phillip Randolph (the organizer of the first black labor union in the United States.)

A TIME TO LOVE

It was obvious that she was committed to family. Upon graduation, she turned down the opportunity to be the Chairperson of the Business Department to be with her husband and children. She was approached by the President of both Virginia State College (now University) and Howard University to recruit her to run the President's office on their respective campuses. She again turned both opportunities down to be with her family. who she was dedicated to providing a supportive and loving environment. She was affectionately known to the community as someone you could call upon for assistance when needed. The president of Norfolk State University, Dr. Lyman Brooks, recommended Janice Darden Bailey to run the President's office at VUU but knew the challenge would be her leaving her family to move to Richmond. Therefore, they made the arrangement to accommodate her family to make the job appealing for her. Janice served as the Director of Admissions and then later as the University Registrar at VUU for 39 years altogether. She helped hundreds of young women and men throughout their collegiate careers and guided them to get their grounding as they move to the next phase of their lives.

A TIME TO LAUGH

Janice could often be found spending time with her friends – going out to lunch, traveling with her clubs and taking cruises. But most often she talked with her grandchildren. She talked to them on the phone and offered words of wisdom and guidance. She was always offering an encouraging word or note to lift anyone who she talked to. She took every opportunity to show compassion. Holidays and time with family were times for laughter and fun.

A TIME TO MOURN

We love "Ma", "Grandma Bailey", "Grandma Janice", but God loved her more! Left to cherish her memory are her two devoted sons, Brian B. Bailey and Kelvin W. Bailey; 5 grandchildren, Jamar Bailey, Victoria Mann, Devin Joyner, Brandon Bailey and Ta'shaun Brickhouse; great granddaughter, Halani Bailey; nieces, nephews, ex-husband, Willard Bailey; and a host of many, many other family and friends.

After the season for every activity under heaven, All go to the same place All come from Dust and To Dust all Return.

A memorial service will be held 12 noon Wednesday, October 29, 2025 at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, 8775 Mount Olive Avenue, Glen Allen, VA. Interment private.