Marilynn Elizabeth Bailey,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marilynn Elizabeth Bailey, 76, former managing editor of the Virgin Island Daily News, died Friday, Dec. 15, 2023, in Mesa, AZ, after a long illness.

The fifth of 11 children, Marilynn was born in Kansas City, Kansas on Aug. 13, 1947, to Ephraim Walthall Bailey and Vivian Ercel (Dawkins) Bailey. She was predeceased by a daughter, Favinn Alexjandra Jacquelyne Maynard, in 2017.

In 1970, armed with a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Kansas State University, Marilynn was hired as a reporter at the Rochester (NY) Democrat and Chronicle. In 1981, she relocated to the San Francisco Bay area and began working as a reporter and editor at the Oakland (Calif.) Tribune. Marilynn wrote about the Black community and religion and became a founding member of the Bay Area Association of Black Journalists.

Marilynn left Oakland to volunteer with the Peace Corps and developed a passion for the people and cultures of the African diaspora, which remained at her core. In 1986, she gave birth to a daughter, Favinn Alexjandra Jacquelyne Maynard.

With Favinn in tow, Marilynn began life on St. Thomas in 1987, when she was hired as city desk editor at The Virgin Islands Daily News. Marilynn was promoted to managing editor, a position she held until leaving the Daily News in 2003. Throughout her Daily News career, Marilynn took special care compiling and editing the newspaper’s Black History Month supplement.

Politicians, historians, culture bearers, educators – Virgin Islanders from all walks of life – knew and trusted Marilynn with their stories. Editor, colleague, mentor, parent and friend are words that describe her relationships throughout the Virgin Islands.

Marilynn is survived by a granddaughter, Nusaybah Jacquelyne Maynard; a sister, Jacquelyne Bailey Carr; brothers, Ephraim Walthall Bailey Jr., Anthony Carleton Bailey, Kenneth Bailey and Bryan Delano Bailey.

A memorial service is planned for Jan. 20, at the Jesus Christ Church of Latter Day Saints, 19730 E. Ocotillo Rd. Queen Creek, AZ 85142. Time of service 10:30 a.m.