Jerry Bailey

ROCKFORD - Jerry "Big One (Biggum)" Bailey, age 60, of Rockford departed this earthly life on Saturday June 12, 2021. Born on February 16, 1961 in Osceola, Arkansas to George Earnest & Verdie Bea Bailey Sr. (Stowe). Jerry attended Osceola schools and later obtained his GED. His family moved to Rockford, IL in 1969, where he resided the majority of his adult life. Jerry received Jesus as his Lord & Savior and was baptized at Greater New Jerusalem Church in Rockford, IL. A loving person with a big heart and a straight shooter, he was truly honest by any means necessary. Jerry loved cooking and was known as an excellent chef & grill master, a confident & brilliant Domino/Chess player and an avid reader. He was proud of his Indian Heritage and will be remembered for his cool & joking personality and his version of Spanish & Karate. A resilient man, protective of his loved ones; Jerry was a fighter and a conqueror, he valiantly battled until his very moment of transition. Beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and dear friend; he will remain forever in our hearts.

Jerry leaves to cherish many loving memories; son, Jeremiah Atmore; daughters, JerMiracle (Noah) Jelks, Nashira Bailey, Jazzmine Bailey, Breanna Bailey, Shaperia Pearson; sisters; Joyce Ward, Rita Bailey, Patricia Smith, Rosie (Elaine) Bailey, Margaret Bailey, Mary (Coretta) Bailey, Jene Holt, Cora Williams; brothers; twin - Terry Bailey, Fritz Bailey and Frank Bailey; grandchildren; Jamiya, Jeremiah JR, Serenity, Josiah, Jeric, Julius, Jaylinn, Marley, Charity and Ayden; a host of aunts & uncles - special mention, Willie B. Harris, Mary Jones and Billy Stowe; numerous favorite nieces & nephews, cousins, relatives and many dear friends. He is predeceased by his parents, George Earnest & Verdie Bea Bailey Sr.; grandson, Sincere Atmore; brothers, George Ernest Bailey Jr. and John Bailey; sisters, Jonnie Mae Bailey and Beatrice "Sunshine" Bailey; and special nieces & nephews, Miracle Bailey, Sunshine Bailey, Jerry Williams and Marlo Bailey.

Funeral Services held Sunday June 27, 2021 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm at the Christenson Funeral Home, 925 3 ^rd Avenue, Rockford, with visitation from 1:00pm until the time of services at 2:00pm. Cremation rites accorded. Memorials to the family.

Words of Meditation

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 46:1

My son, give attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; For they are life to those who find them, and health to all their flesh. Proverbs 4:20-22

In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. John 14:2-3