AARIONA BAILEY

Aariona Ma’laun Bailey, known for her infectious smile and laugh, touched so many hearts in her brief 18 years before uniting with her Heavenly Father on August 20, 2022.

Aariona, a gorgeous baby girl, was born to Aaron Bailey and Valerie "Tootie" Crow-Bailey on June 13, 2004, at St. Paul Hospital in Dallas, Texas. Young Aariona, under the leadership Dr. Mack T. Flemmings, Sr., accepted Christ and was baptized at Freedom Missionary Baptist Church. She was an active member of the "Wee Praise" Youth Choir, CHIMES, 4God, and the Youth Who Love Christ (Y.W.L.C.). Her life was an illustration of her favorite Bible verse “I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Her educational foundation began at St. Phillips Daycare and continued through the Dallas Independent School District, matriculating, and excelling through R.L. Thornton Elementary School and W.H. Atwell Middle School. During her high school years, Aariona attended Duncanville High School, where she maintained exceptional grades, participated in student council, and developed meaningful, and impactful relationships. She was in the National Honors Society. She was a trailblazer for her peers always advocating for what was just. One of her teachers used these words to describe her “My life became better when I met Aariona…there was so much personality hidden behind her long eyelashes and big eyes…Aariona has an amazing smile and a heart for others…she’s truly the embodiment of love and joy in life...” She was an amazing light to all she encountered. Aariona graduated with honors, on May 19, 2022, from Duncanville High School. She was accepted to several colleges and universities with the goal of becoming a pediatrician. She chose to attend the University of Houston with a major in Pre-Med.

Aariona was a lover of life. She was bright, funny, easy-going, warm-hearted, intelligent, and witty. Although she was quiet and reserved, she was a fierce protector of people she loved. An effervescent old soul, she would often make sure those around her were ALWAYS in line. Aariona loved watching WWE on Friday night. She was a master at doing her own hair, as well as family and friends. Hardworking and dependable, Aariona held positions with Golden Gate Funeral Home, DC's Catering, and Diamond Beauty Supply.

Aariona is preceded in death by her father, Aaron Bailey; maternal great- grandparents, John G. & Opal Vae Mackey; paternal great-grandparents, Willie & Azzielee Bailey and Buford & Hattie Whitaker; maternal grandfathers, Eree Wilson & E.R. Murrell, Sr.; uncle, Armondo Crow; aunt, Debra Hawley; cousin E.R. Murrell, III.

Aariona is survived by her mother, Valerie “Tootie” Crow-Bailey; sisters, Da’Ashlaun Crow Beckwith, Patrika Alexander and fur sister Bella “Bells” Bailey; grandmothers, Patsy Bailey and Frances Murrell; aunts and uncles, Michelle Morgan (Michael), Kevin Crow, Damon Crow, Norris Lee Whitaker, Jr., Kimberly Whitaker Edwards, Shearese Johnson, Ajeenah Whitaker and Tanya McKinney; niece, Ma’Kenzie; nephews, Makhi, Mason, Messiah and Winston; godparents, Cynthia Chase, David and Lori Bizor and Darrell & Melody Robinson; her mentor, Thressa Mackey; friends, Kennedy, Jordan, Jonathan, Jess, JuJu, Messiah, Tylese , Bailee, and Jada; her favorite teacher, Mrs. Kile; her Freedom Church Family and many more cousins, relatives and friends.