Rev. Dr. Emmanuel F. Bailey
It is with profound sadness that the Bailey family announces the passing of Rev. Dr. Emmanuel F. Bailey, D. Min, PhD, on November 26, 2025, in Monrovia, Liberia. A son of Sinoe from the Township of Louisiana, Dr. Bailey had a distinguished career spanning over 50 years of service to the United Methodist Church, both in the United States and Liberia. For 21 years, he dedicated himself to pastoring various churches in the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church, including Charity UMC in Flint, MI, Second Grace UMC, and Trinity Faith UMC, both in Detroit, Michigan.
Throughout his tenure in Michigan, he established several educational programs, including Head Start programs and Montessori schools. Additionally, Dr Bailey served as Conference Council Director (Program Administrator) of the Liberia Annual Conference; Executive Director Team for Justice (Detroit, Michigan; Instructor at S. Steward Mott Adult High School, Flint, Michigan (10 years), and William Tindale College in Farmington Hills, Michigan (7 years).
In 2000, Dr. Bailey oversaw the creation of the Judith Craig Children’s Village in Duahzon, located just outside of Monrovia. This orphanage, which is home to over 100 children, stands as a testament to the philanthropic efforts of the late Bishop Judith Craig upon her retirement from the Michigan Conference clergy in 1992. Dr. Bailey was President of the African Association of Michigan and the Liberian Association of Michigan. He was listed in “Outstanding Young Men of America”, “Who’s Who in Religion”, and “Outstanding People of the 20th Century”. He authored the following books:
“I Want to Help, But How”;
“Caring for Those Who Grieve”,
“When You Pray Say….”; and
“The History of Methodism in Liberia.”
During his inaugural tenure as president of UMU, Dr. Bailey achieved significant milestones, including securing accreditation from the National Commission on Higher Education and the Ministry of Education. He established new colleges and programs, including the College of Education, the College of Science and Technology, and Nursing and Midwifery programs. Additionally, he expanded the College of Agriculture to Sinoe County, where it was better positioned to provide practical training for students. His leadership resulted in one of the most extensive course offerings of any private university in Liberia. After 15 years of dedicated service in this role, he stepped down to pursue other endeavors. He was the CEO of Mississippi Inn Guest Houses in Greenville, Sinoe County.
In 2016, after 33 years in pastoral ministry, Dr. Bailey retired as a clergy member of the United Methodist Church. However, in response to the pressing need for strong leadership, the bishop of the Liberia Conference urged him to end his retirement and resume his presidency at UMU, a role he once again fulfilled, starting March 1, 2025, until his sudden passing.
Dr. Bailey is survived by his darling wife of 48 years, Taylorie Rebecca Bailey (nee’ Major), with whom he raised several children: Nyanatee (Amanda), Carmina, Florence, Rose, and Carl. The couple is also blessed with two grandsons, Jordan and Dominic. He is survived by his sisters, Kareen, Olina, Elsa, and Angelee, and his adopted brother, Charles. Additionally, he leaves behind numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and friends. Dr. Bailey was predeceased by his parents, three brothers, and one sister. His leadership in the church will be sorely missed, but he has blessed us, and his legacy of love and faith will remain for generations.
The funeral services and burial for Dr. Bailey are as follows:
Wake Keeping:
Friday, January 2, 2026, 6:00 pm
First United Methodist Church
Ashmun & Gurley Streets
Monrovia, Liberia
Funeral Service:
Saturday, January 3, 2026, 10:00 am
First United Methodist Church
Ashmun & Gurley Streets
Monrovia, Liberia
Following the funeral service, Dr. Bailey will be buried at the Kaiser Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Brewerville, Montserrado County, Liberia.
Floral Arrangements:
Instead of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Rev. Dr. Emmanuel F. Bailey Education Fund. Contributions are deeply appreciated. Please send gifts via Zelle to tayloriebailey7@gmail.com and note “Education Fund” in the memo.
Contact:
Taylorie Bailey – 313-205-3803
Nyanatee Bailey – 313-205-3763
Gariston Bailey – +231 77 751 6849
Zackery-Taylor Major – 215-696-9825
Elsa Bailey-Draper – 313-231-7333
Olina Bailey – 302-437-6610