Mrs. Sylvia Annette Best Bailey

How can we summarize the life and legacy of such an amazingly loving and caring wife, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, friend and mother? We cannot do this in a few paragraphs. Sylvia offered the world too many doses of humanity to capture all that she was and will forever remain in those who knew and loved her. Those of us fortunate enough to be touched by her legacy have grown. We have come to know and love Sylvia for her kind spirit, abundant heart, charisma, style and her profoundly bold and confident aura. Whether we called her: Ann, Syl, Aunt Ann, Ms. Best, Inspeckta Best, Ma, or the affectionate Baby (reserved only for Rick), we knew that in her presence, we were getting the real. Even if, it was only how she called it. Sylvia (Annette Best) Bailey was the second child of James Daniel Best (Big Daddy) and Peggie Joyce Swain (Nanny), born on July 11, 1957, in Stantonsburg, North Carolina. In search of greater opportunity, the growing family would migrate to Washington, DC. Sylvia and her oldest brother Irvin (Chuck) were introduced to a racially segregated DC., and as racial tensions heightened, Sylvia navigated DC public schools before Black people had civil or voting rights. We believe that these early injustices prompted Sylvia to pursue a life of helping those in greater need than herself. As a young woman, equipped with minimal nursing education and support and tutelage from Nanny, and combined with inspiration from Diahann Carroll’s character Julia, Sylvia entered a career in nursing and related interests. Julia’s impact on Sylvia was more profound than solely nursing. Julia navigated single working motherhood. It was then that on Thanksgiving in 1973, Sylvia welcomed her only child, first grandchild and nephew, Corey Bernard Best. With Nanny’s unconditional support and love in helping to raise Corey, Sylvia’s siblings also joined her in her village. Corey was the light that shined in Sylvia’s soul more vibrant than the fullest moon. Sylvia dedicated her life to the service of others, beginning with working in hospitals in and around the DMV, including Georgetown University Hospital. Her younger sisters, Gwendolyn and Sheila also went on to join the healthcare profession. While working long hours, Sylvia would entrust her youngest sister Pat to help care for Corey. With Corey being the baby of the family and Pat being the youngest sibling of six, they were often considered siblings. In 1984, Sylvia pursued a new path by joining the DC Metropolitan Police Department. Alongside classmates who became lifelong friends, Susan and Marjorie, they worked in the Fifth District. Sylvia’s younger brother Larry, soon after joined the police force. However, due to several injustices, both personally and professionally, Sylvia remained strong in the face of constant hardships and societal challenges. Sylvia embodied grace, hope, and bravery through volunteerism, voting advocacy, government systems navigation and helping her fellow neighbors and family members overcome as she would say "the bullshit." Her unwavering commitment to being of service to another is a value she instilled in Corey. Twenty years ago, Sylvia and Charles (Rick) Bailey found their forever love. Together, they built a marriage and home that was filled with commitment, loyalty, care, and support. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love and partnership. Rick will cherish the countless memories they created together over the years, and Sylvia’s absence leaves a profound void in his heart, yet her spirit and heartbeat will forever remain with him. Sylvia’s legacy of communal service and kindness will continue to inspire all who knew her. Some have a language that’s unique to their personality. Sylvia will be remembered and cherished for her love language of “tell it like it is.” Sylvia will be deeply missed, honored every day, and forever held in our memory as the Queen that she is.

Tributes

Mrs. Sylvia Annette Best Bailey

July 11, 1957 - October 28, 2024