Jubilee mourns the death of Justin Bailey, a well-known, respected, and likable member of the Jubilee community. His amiability was legendary, and he profoundly influenced the lives of others with his kindness and readiness to give a helping hand.
Justin was a beloved member of the Jubilee community for the past 25 years. He passed away at home on February 28 surrounded by people who loved him. He was 50 years old and had lived with Alzheimer’s for the last few years of his life. Justin was also a devoted attendee of the Hyattsville Mennonite Church, where he took great pride in passing the microphone during announcements. Justin’s career spanned more than 17 years, in which he worked as a landscaper and most recently as a shredder for the Arc of Montgomery County.
Justin was always looking for ways to interact, initiating a conversation and touting his collection of Michael Jackson CDs and exotic toy cars. He was known to be a sharp dresser and had great dance moves like his favorite musician. At home, Justin was the guy who would arrange the dining table, sweep the floor after dinner, and help push the wheelchairs to church and into the community. Justin loved to celebrate and talk about his birthday. He basically had a birthday season, which started at the beginning of September, as he would tell people almost every day that it was his birthday.
Pat and Bill Coffin, his foster parents, recently shared the following with Jubilee*:
We have known Justin for over 45 years, and he became part of our family after his mother passed away when he was just 18. We want to thank all the people that supported and loved Justin. As his health declined over these past years he was blessed with truly kind caring people at his side, most recently John, James, Jaya, and Mouka. We are grateful to all the people who helped Justin live his best life: Vernita, Vicky, Nate, and the many others who played a part in making sure Justin was happy, safe, and living life to the fullest. Justin found his forever home with Jubilee over 25 years ago. Thank you to Tim Wiens for making that happen. While he spent birthdays and holidays with us, the caring staff and his roommates at Jubilee were truly his family. You were a blessing in our lives, Justin.
*edited for length