Newport News, VA, September 22, 2025
News Summary
Marian Patricia ‘Pat’ Ferrebee Bailey, a beloved Newport News resident, passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion. She thrived as a mother, professional, and community member, cherished by family and friends. Her career included significant contributions at BASF, and she was one of the first certified massage therapists in the area. The family thanks everyone for their support during her journey.
Newport News resident Marian Patricia “Pat” Ferrebee Bailey passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at the age of 87. She left behind a legacy of love and compassion, deeply cherished by her family and friends.
Born on December 2, 1937, in Salem Hetzel’s Lutheran Church in Pine Grove, PA, Pat was the daughter of the late Charles and Hattie Jones Ferrebee. She grew up as an active member of the Hetzel’s Church, where her journey of life began.
Pat was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Samuel “Sam” Bailey, and her five sisters: Ruth Fisher, Eva Young, Verna Zerbe, Betty Krause, and Dorothy “Cissy” Fegley. Additionally, her son-in-law, Timothy Carter, also predeceased her.
Her immediate family now includes her four daughters: Melody Bailey Carter of Newport News, VA, Robin Samantha Mathenia and her husband James D. Mathenia of Greenville, SC, Dawn Louise Murphy and her husband Kevin R. Murphy also of Greenville, SC, and Susan “Susie” Bailey Burnett along with her husband William “Mike” Burnett of Gloucester County, VA. Pat’s nurturing and caring nature united her family, fostering close friendships among them.
Pat graduated from Pine Grove High School in Pine Grove, PA, in 1955. Shortly after high school, she moved to Virginia with her husband, who served in the United States Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. She dedicated her professional life to working at Dow-Badische Corporation/BASF in James City County, from which she retired. Following her retirement, Pat pursued a passion for wellness, becoming one of the area’s first certified massage therapists. She worked at Kingsmill Spa in Williamsburg and Riverside Wellness and Fitness Center in Newport News while also running a successful home-based massage therapy business for many years.
Known for her contagious smile and ability to make others feel loved, Pat was described as a loving mother, wife, and friend. She had a passion for life, enjoying international travel, and spent her leisure time reading about history and medical topics. Pat’s caring nature left a lasting impression on everyone she met, and she brought joy to all those around her.
The family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to friends for their support and prayers throughout Pat’s aging journey. Special recognition was given to the staff and caregivers at Commonwealth Senior Living at Gloucester House, as well as the ICU and Palliative Hospice Care Teams at Riverside Walter Reed Hospital for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of choice in Pat’s memory. The cremation services are being handled by Cremation Society of Virginia – Newport News Office. The family will hold a private service to honor Pat’s life. Condolences can be shared online at www.vacremationsociety.com.
FAQ
When did Marian Patricia “Pat” Ferrebee Bailey pass away?
Pat passed away peacefully on September 16, 2025, at the age of 87.
Who are the survivors of Pat Bailey?
Pat is survived by her four daughters: Melody Bailey Carter of Newport News, VA, Robin Samantha Mathenia and husband James D. Mathenia of Greenville, SC, Dawn Louise Murphy and husband Kevin R. Murphy of Greenville, SC, and Susan “Susie” Bailey Burnett and husband William “Mike” Burnett of Gloucester County, VA.
What professional achievements did Pat accomplish?
Pat worked for and retired from Dow-Badische Corporation/BASF in James City County and later became one of the area’s first certified massage therapists, working at Kingsmill Spa in Williamsburg and Riverside Wellness and Fitness Center in Newport News, along with running a successful home-based massage therapy business.
Key Features of Pat Bailey’s Life
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Marian Patricia “Pat” Ferrebee Bailey |
| Date of Birth | December 2, 1937 |
| Date of Death | September 16, 2025 |
| Age at Passing | 87 |
| Survived by | Four Daughters |
| Preceded in Death | Husband, Five Sisters, Son-in-law |
| Professional Life | Worked at BASF and became a certified massage therapist |
| Interests | Traveling, Reading History and Medical Topics |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Virginia Luck Obituary
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Marian Patricia “Pat” Ferrebee Bailey Obituary
- Google Search: Marian Patricia Ferrebee Bailey
- Kaye Johnson Obituary
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Obituary
- Ernest Martin Obituary
- Google Scholar: Obituary
- USAF Goard Obituary
- Google News: Obituary
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