By Dedra Cordle
Staff Writer
The village of Urbancrest council has lost one of their own.
On July 26, councilwoman Christine Bailey passed away after a brief illness. She was 68 years old.
As most proud residents of the village are apt to do, Bailey was compelled to give back to her community by getting involved in the local government.
In 1999, Bailey was elected as the clerk-treasurer for the village and served in that capacity until 2005. As the clerk, Bailey became involved in the non-profit organization, the Urbancrest Community Improvement Corporation, and was one of its first board members.
In 2006, Bailey was elected to serve on the village council. She soon became a member of the health and safety committee, working to improve the lives of the residents in the community.
Mayor Joseph Barnes Sr. said as a council member and public servant, Bailey was the epitome of the ‘Three D’s.’
“She had desire, dedication and determination,” he said. “She had a desire to serve the community, she was dedicated to her servitude and she was determined to see everything through.”
A long-time resident of the village, Bailey attended the elementary school in Urbancrest where she took part in the Girls Scouts. She went on to graduate from Grove City High School in 1964.
For three decades, Bailey was employed at the Ohio Department of Transportation. She retired in 2000 and founded her own tax service business.
Barnes said throughout her life, she was active on public boards and committees so it was no surprise that she played a major role as a member of the Union Baptist Church.
“She was a Sunday School teacher, a treasurer, an assistant superintendent, a superintendent, the chair of the Women’s Retreat, the chair of youth activities, a bus driver and a Deaconess for many years,” he said.
“We are all given gifts in life,” he said. “And her gift was she had it in her heart to serve the public. Whatever she could do to help someone, she was always available.”
Recently, Bailey was re-elected to another term on the village council. She had two years remaining on her term. Due to her unexpected passing, the council will have to elect a new council member by the end of the month. A special meeting has been scheduled for Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. to discuss potential candidates.
Barnes said even though her chair will have to be replaced, it would take three people to fill the void to accomplish all the things that she had done as a member of the council.
