This is what the Lord says: Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, but let the one who boasts boast about this: that they have the understanding to know, that I am the Lord. Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NIV) Neil Frank Bailey took the Hand of Jesus with a smile, and went home to heaven on Thursday, April 12, 2018, at St. Elizabeths Hospital. He was surrounded at the time by the love of his guardian, Mama Wendy, and severalmembers of his Arc Herkimer family. He had long looked forward to the day God would call him Home to be reunited with the parents he so dearly cherished. The only child of Vernon and Mildred Hammond Bailey, Neil was born November 3, 1951, in Ilion, NY. Though diagnosed with Down Syndrome, his parents would not allow the diagnosis to define or limit his purpose in life. They encouraged him to learn as much as he was able. He learned as well by watching and imitating his parents and how they interacted with others. Neil grew up on his beloved Spring Street in Ilion, and loved to play baseball with the neighborhood kids. He also participated in Arc Herkimers workshop program as a young adult. He decided to be like his dad and retire from there when his father retired from the Ilion post office. At the age of 52, Neil was still living at home and trying to look after his frail parents who were well into their 90s. The Mohawk Homestead graciously received the Bailey family into their adult home in Mohawk. A short time later, both parents passed away (one month apart). Before Vernons death, he asked the Administrator at that time, Wendy Knox, if she would consider being Neils guardian. She accepted and cherished that role for the next 15 years of Neils life. He affectionately called her Mama. At the courts request for a second guardian, Wendy asked the Homesteads Case Manager/Activities Director, Dori Magee, and she accepted and treasured that role as his Big Sister. As Neils care needs changed, he was welcomed into Arc Herkimers Johnson Avenue residence on February 06, 2012. While living there, Neil attended the VHS Adult Day Program, under the direction of Cheryl LaQuay, RN, whom he dearly loved. He later attended the Arcs Senior Center for day program. The activities he enjoyed while there included Bible Study, table/Wii bowling, coloring, puzzles, and various outings. Although his heart always yearned to be with his parents, he adapted to life changes and enjoyed a full and engaged life. His favorite thing to do was eating ice cream chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. He looked forward to Thursday night outings with Mama and Big Sister to The Knight Spot or Dennys for dinner, and loved to visit Hoopla, Stewarts, and all the local valley ice cream shops. Neil enjoyed reading the newspaper from cover to cover, doing his chores, collecting dollar bills, keeping warm and reading the ice cream menus at the restaurants. Since Neil went on regular vacations with his parents, Wendy and Dori tried to keep up with that tradition by taking him on short vacations every year. Some of the placed they visited multiple times included Old Forge, Sackets Harbor, Lake Placid, and Lancaster, PA. Neil was a country music fan, comparing himself at times to Kenny Rogers. In October 2016, his lifelong dream was realized when he flew to Nashville, TN for a week and saw the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Johnny Cash Museum, the Grand Old Opry and the Elvis Show. Although he could sometimes get into mischief, it was his sweet smile, wide-eyes look of wonder, gentle hug, or friendly handshake that endeared Neil to many. He would often ask others that he met along the way, Hows the family? whether he could recall who they were in his later years or not. He will be remembered warmly for simply living his life as himself. Neil leaves behind his guardians, Mama (Wendy) and Big Sister (Dori); his house manager Mommy (Susan) and her staff; Boss (Larrissa) and her program staff; Brookes, his house RN; Audrie, his medical appointment companion; his housemates Susie, Jen, Kitty and Pauline; the entire Arc Herkimer family; and many community friends. Calling hours will start at 6:00pm, with the funeral service following at 7:30 on Wednesday, April 18, at the Fenner Funeral Home, Inc.. 115 Court Street in Herkimer. Neil will be buried beside his parents in a private ceremony in Armory Hill Cemetery in Ilion. In lieu of flowers, those wishing so, may donate to Arc Herkimers spirituality program in his memory. Wendy and Dori would like to thank Connie, Arc Herkimer Nurse Manager, and Brooke for overseeing Neils medical/nursing needs and their invaluable support at the hospital; the staff of both the Mohawk Homestead and Arc Herkimer for their kindness and care; the medical professionals of St. Elizabeths ER and Cardiac ICU for making a difficult situation easier to bear; and the many friends who supported Wendy and Dori during their guardianship. Neil had a simple faith in the God who created him. As part of his daily routine when living at the Homestead, he would copy pages of the Bible in his own handwriting. He would often comment that someday, God would call his name and say, Neil Bailey! You come on up here now and be with your parents! Yes, Neily Boy. You were absolutely right. You finally heard the Lord call your name! And knowing how your parents taught you manners, when they met you at heavens Gate, they probably asked you to turn around for just a moment to say, Thank you, everybody, for loving me for who I was. Calling Hours Fenner Funeral Home Wednesday, April 18, 2018 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM 115 Court Street Herkimer, NY 13350 Funeral Service Fenner Funeral Home Wednesday, April 18, 2018 07:30 PM 115 Court Street Herkimer, NY 13350