Sharon Lee Shirley Bailey, beloved wife, sister, and friend to many, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, at the age of 64. She was born on August 5 1960, to Oscar William Shirley, Jr. and Mildred Shawanokasic Shirley in Hartford, Connecticut.
Sharons dedication to the Deaf students and the Deaf community was a major part of her life. She was a gifted trainer and a mentor to many.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents Oscar William Shirley, Jr. and Mildred Shawanokasic Shirley; as well as her brother-in-law, Arthur J. Denorfia, Sr.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Quintin R. Bailey; her faithful pet dogs, Gunther and Molly (Valdese); her brother, Robert Bob K. Shirley and his wife Kristina; her niece; Kaley, and nephew, Kyle of Wilmington, NC; her sister, Elizabeth Betsy Denorfia; her nephew Arthur J. Denorfia Jr. of Southington CT; her niece, Elyse Denorfia and her husband, William Bradford, of Weymouth, MA; and her best friend, Barbara French of Winsted, CT; as well as multitudes of friends, co-workers, and students from North Carolina School for the Deaf (Morganton) and the American School for the Deaf (West Hartford), who loved her so much.
To know Sharon was to know her compassion, her understanding, her love of her job, and her students and family. She will be truly missed.
There are no services planned at this time.
If making a memorial contribution, please designate the donation is in memory of Sharon Shirley-Bailey. Memorial contributions may be made to North Carolina School for the Deaf, 517 W. Fleming Drive, Morganton, NC 28655; American School for the Deaf, Office of Institutional Advancement, 139 N. Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107; or to Amorem Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Visitation
N/A
Service
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Committal
N/A
Sharons dedication to the Deaf students and the Deaf community was a major part of her life. She was a gifted trainer and a mentor to many.
Sharon was preceded in death by her parents Oscar William Shirley, Jr. and Mildred Shawanokasic Shirley; as well as her brother-in-law, Arthur J. Denorfia, Sr.
Sharon is survived by her husband, Quintin R. Bailey; her faithful pet dogs, Gunther and Molly (Valdese); her brother, Robert Bob K. Shirley and his wife Kristina; her niece; Kaley, and nephew, Kyle of Wilmington, NC; her sister, Elizabeth Betsy Denorfia; her nephew Arthur J. Denorfia Jr. of Southington CT; her niece, Elyse Denorfia and her husband, William Bradford, of Weymouth, MA; and her best friend, Barbara French of Winsted, CT; as well as multitudes of friends, co-workers, and students from North Carolina School for the Deaf (Morganton) and the American School for the Deaf (West Hartford), who loved her so much.
To know Sharon was to know her compassion, her understanding, her love of her job, and her students and family. She will be truly missed.
There are no services planned at this time.
If making a memorial contribution, please designate the donation is in memory of Sharon Shirley-Bailey. Memorial contributions may be made to North Carolina School for the Deaf, 517 W. Fleming Drive, Morganton, NC 28655; American School for the Deaf, Office of Institutional Advancement, 139 N. Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107; or to Amorem Hospice, 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
Visitation
N/A
Service
N/A
Committal
N/A
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Sharon Lee Shirley Bailey.
—Stephen Emerson
My sincere condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones. May your soul be at peace. 🕊️🫶🏾
—Cindy Walker
—Cindy Walker
Rest in peace my friend you will be missed, My son loved you very deeply.
—Ruth Ross (Mother -in-law)
—Lawson and Debi McNally
She was wonderful lady and understands in deaf children’s. We missed her. Give our condolences to her husband Quintin and her families
—Lawson McNally
Very sorry about your sister. Sympathy for Quentin and each of you. 🙏💖
—Vaccarelli
I worked with Sharon at ASD. ENJOYED HER!
—June McMahon
My sincerest condolences.
—Sandra Ortiz
Sad to see my friend Sharon gone on 4th of July. She is a great person to the communities. No more pain, you are now in God’s hand. My condolences to Quintin Bailey and Sharon’s family. 🙏🕊️🙏
—Carol Bailey