Obituary of Rochelle R. Bailey

Pastor Rochelle R. Bailey, 63, of Columbia, VA passed away peacefully on October 4, 2020, with her devoted husband by her side. She was born to the late Earl and Virginia Johnson on October 13, 1956, in Brooklyn, NY. Rochelle graduated from Clara Barton High School in 1974 and received her two-year degree in Cosmetology from Rowan Cabarrus Community College and later became a licensed Cosmetologist in the Commonwealth of Virginia. She married her childhood sweetheart Ambus Lee Bailey on July 14, 1973, and they lived together in Brooklyn, NY for many years before relocating to North Carolina and then Virginia where they last resided together. Rochelle was a dedicated wife and mother first and foremost. She treasured her family and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her role as Nana. She had a vivacious and infectious personality and always loved to laugh. She made friends everywhere she went, and everyone loved her. Rochelle was an accomplished author, cosmetologist, prophet, preacher and teacher and she loved people. Rochelle was ordained on December 19, 2004 as the Pastor of Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church alongside her husband Bishop Ambus L. Bailey. She also received her certification in the School of the Prophetic in 2012. She was a student of the Word and prided herself in understanding the Word to a deeper degree and moving in the realm of the prophetic. She was a master at hearing the Word of the Lord and releasing that word with precision. Her life was a living example of the verse of scripture in Luke 10:19, Rochelle modeled a life of empowerment in the Spirit and she taught others to do the same. She passed her dedication to the Word to all her children. Rochelle was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind nothing but beautiful memories. Rochelle is survived by her husband and only love of 50 years strong, Bishop Ambus Lee Bailey; She is the loving and devoted mother to three children: Ambus Lee Bailey III (Shirlene), of Powhatan, VA.; Virginia Bailey McLean, of Cartersville, VA, and Deoniesa Love Bailey, of Fluvanna, VA.; four brothers: Lloyd Johnson (Carol), Kenneth Johnson (Tammy), Antonio Johnson (Margaret),and Kevin Johnson; one sister-in-law Patrice Wilkerson; one brother-in-law, Chester Bailey; one uncle, Lawrence Johnson; eleven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends accompanied by a host of other relatives, whom she loved and touched deeply. Her celebration of life will be on October 10, 2020 via graveside at Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made via her husband's cashapp @$66ys for Bishop Ambus Bailey.