Dellaraye (Cannon) Bailey, formerly of Dunwoody, GA., died of natural causes after a brief illness on January 27, 2026 in Fairmount, GA. She was 88 years old and is a member of the Fite (Vogt) family of Resaca, GA. 

Dellaraye was born in Resaca, GA on June 25, 1937 to Austin Birch Cannon, Sr. and Hazel Hortense (Fite) Cannon. At a young age, she moved with her family to Atlanta, GA. She graduated from Bass High School in Atlanta, GA. and from Tift College in Forsyth, GA., earning a degree in Early Childhood Education. During college, she married Frank B. Bailey, her high school sweetheart. They first lived in Washington, D.C. until Frank finished his commission in the U.S. Navy; then they moved back to Atlanta. The family moved many more times (Missouri,Connecticut, Arizona, New York) due to Frank’s job with IBM. They always returned to the Atlanta area which they considered home. In each place she had the flexibility and resilience to build a home life that was nurturing and beautiful. Dellaraye and Frank had four children, to which she was a loving and devoted mother.

The primary focus of her life was the development and welfare of children; her own and the many others that she taught in her kindergarten classes. She had a unique way of making each child feel special when they were in her presence. She understood their perspective and how to best communicate to them on their level. She was also quick to protect any child that she perceived was not being treated fairly.

She taught kindergarten at several church sponsored schools, including Dunwoody Baptist Church in Dunwoody, GA. Her reputation as an excellent teacher spread quickly wherever she taught and parents would specifically mention that she was the reason they were enrolling their child in the school.

She also raised four exceptional children that have grown up to become successful and productive members of their own communities. She would feel most proud to be remembered for that accomplishment.

Dellaraye loved music and had an excellent singing voice. She sang in the church choir and often performed solos. She sang briefly with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO) and Chorus when it was under the direction of Robert Shaw.

Dellaraye had an artistic gift for color, symmetry, and texture expressed in her seasonal and home decorations. Her style was distinctly Southern. Some would call it ‘shabby chic’, and it almost always included crafts, antiques, and dolls in various combinations. She was able to style living spaces in a very attractive and comfortable way on a small budget.

In recent days Dellaraye received care and made many friends at The Oaks at Fairmount to which the family is most grateful.

She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and one grandson. She is survived by her brother Austin Birch Cannon, Jr. of Columbia, S.C. and her children; Frank A. Bailey of Rockville, MD.; Christopher D. Bailey of St. Louis, MO.; Jason S. Bailey of Gainesville, GA.; Melissa L. Bailey of Atlanta, GA.; and seven grandchildren.

We will forever remember her as a fierce and loving wife and mother who gave her children the opportunity to thrive.

Care of Dellaraye has been entrusted to In Their Honor Funeral and Cremation Providers.