Maya Angelou’s brother, Bailey Johnson Jr., passed away in July 2014 after a lifetime of illness. Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1932, Bailey Jr. endured the hardships of growing up in the segregated South during the Great Depression. He was the oldest of three siblings and his mother, Vivian Baxter Johnson, relocated the family to California in search of a better life. Bailey Jr. was a brave and determined individual, and despite his various health issues, he never ceased to try to bring his family closer together.
In the late 1940’s, Bailey Jr. was diagnosed with schizophrenia and was institutionalized. He was unable to return home and although Maya Angelou and her family were deeply saddened, they all stayed in close contact with Bailey Jr. visiting him regularly. He was never forgotten as family members shared how he encouraged them with his kind words, making sure they knew their value even in his absence.
Despite his health issues, Bailey Jr. was able to draw on his inner strength and find comfort in the love of his family. As Maya recounts in her legacy, he was a “brave, kind and gentle giant, who had been given an unyielding cross to bear.” He was known for his strong desire for knowledge and he spent a great deal of his time reading when he wasn’t playing piano or teaching his siblings about proper behavior.
Bailey’s illness prevented him from a full life, however, he was never forgotten and the love of his family remained strong. Even though he wasn’t in their physical presence, Bailey Jr. was still a major part of the Angelou family, contributing resilience and strength to each of his beloved family members.
Maya Angelou was especially devoted to her brother, and while they were separated, they spoke often. When Bailey Jr. died in 2014, Maya expressed her profound sadness at the news and stated, “He was in our thoughts always.” Even though he was gone, Bailey Jr. will always be remembered by the Angelou family and all those who were touched by his courage and resilience.
What Medical Conditions Did Bailey Johnson Jr. Suffer From?
One of Maya Angelou’s brothers, Bailey Johnson Jr., suffered from a variety of medical conditions including schizophrenia, asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1932, Bailey Jr. lived with these conditions his entire life. He was institutionalized in the late 1940’s due to his schizophrenia and was unable to return home. His family, including Maya, remained in contact with him, visiting him and providing support throughout the years.
Bailey Jr.’s mental illness often caused him to suffer from paranoia, impulsivity, and intense fear which, without proper treatment, could lead to violent outbursts. Additionally, his asthma, diabetes, and hypertension put further strain on his already fragile condition. However, despite his health problems, Bailey Jr. was a brave and determined individual who never lost sight of the value of family.
Bailey’s schizophrenia made it difficult for him to lead a full life, but through his own strength and his family’s love and support, he was able to persevere and remain resilient. He was able use his misfortune to provide comfort and encouragement to his beloved family, including Maya, at the same time gaining comfort and solace in their embrace.
Although Bailey Jr. suffered greatly from his various conditions and passed away in July 2014, his memory will always remain alive in the hearts of his family and friends. He was an inspiring example of courage and resilience that can be applied to people’s lives today.
What Impact Did Bailey’s Health Issues Have On His Family?
Bailey Johnson Jr., Maya Angelou’s brother, was afflicted with a variety of serious medical conditions throughout his life which had a profound impact on his family. One of the most enduring effects of Bailey’s illness on the family was the separation it caused. When Bailey was institutionalized in the late 1940’s, his family was unable to keep him at home and were faced with the reality of visiting him at a facility.
Bailey’s physical and mental illnesses also had a psychological impact on the Angelou family. Being so close to a loved one suffering from a mental health disorder such as Bailey’s can create feelings of guilt, confusion, and helplessness. Additionally, Maya and her family had to deal with the anxiety of not knowing how Bailey was faring when they weren’t by his side.
Despite all of the hardships caused by Bailey’s health issues, his family remained devoted and supportive throughout his lifetime. As Maya notes in her legacy, Bailey was never forgotten or forsaken and his presence was felt in their home. He was a source of strength and resilience for the Angelou family and his courage in the face of his health issues was an example of inspiration.
Bailey’s health conditions may have created immense challenges for his family, but they allowed him to be bonded to his beloved family members in ways that were both comforting and inspiring.
How Did Bailey’s Illness Affect His Family Financially?
For the Angelou family, the effects of Bailey Johnson Jr’s illness did not just extend to mental and emotional strain, but there were also financial implications. After being institutionalized in the late 1940’s, Bailey’s medical expenses began to accumulate and his family was often forced to take on additional financial burdens in order to care for him.
Due to being institutionalized, the Angelou family was also denied some of the privileges and benefits that would have normally been available. As a result, Bailey’s siblings, Gogi and Maya, had to work to help support the family. In addition to having to bear these financial pressures, Gogi and Maya often had to take on the responsibility of caring for their younger brother. This heavy burden was often overwhelming for them.
After Bailey was institutionalized, his family relied heavily on donations to help cover medical expenses that were incurred while caregiving. While donations were helpful with the family’s financial burden, money was not the only problem. Bailey’s illness inhibited the opportunity for his siblings to fully pursue their educational and career aspirations.
Bailey’s illness did not only take an emotional and financial toll on his family, but also an educational and career one. Despite the challenges imposed on them, the Angelou family remained devoted and supportive of Bailey throughout his lifetime, showing a great deal of resilience and courage in the face of adversity.
Why Did Maya Angelou’s Family Continue to Visit Bailey Despite His Illness?
Despite the challenges posed by Bailey Johnson Jr.’s illnesses, his family, including his sister Maya Angelou, never ceased reaching out and remaining in contact with him. Maya and her family remained devoted and supportive of Bailey throughout his lifetime visiting him regularly, even though he was institutionalized in the late 1940’s and unable to return home.
One of the reasons why Maya and her family continued to visit Bailey despite his illness was because he was an integral part of their family. Visiting him acted as a reminder that they were still connected and were not ashamed of his condition. His presence in their lives and his courage meant as much to them as any other family member and they wanted him to know that.
Furthermore, Maya Angelou’s family wanted to show Bailey that he was still a valuable member of their family unit. They made a concerted effort to make Bailey feel loved and needed, no matter how far away he was and the hardships that needed to be overcome in order to remain close. Their visits served as a reminder that he was never forgotten or forsaken.
By continuing to reach out and remain in contact with Bailey despite his illness, Maya and her family showed immense love and dedication to one another. Far from ashamed, they embraced this unique and loving bond, taking inspiration from Bailey’s own courage and resilience.
How Was Bailey’s Courage and Resilience an Inspiration to His Family?
Despite the tremendous hardship he endured, Bailey Johnson Jr. was an unyielding source of inspiration and resilience for his family, especially his sister Maya Angelou. His courage nurtured the ability to find comfort in the love of his family when all else seemed dark. He was able to draw upon his inner strength to fight his health issues and come through the other side more connected to his loved ones than ever.
Bailey’s resilience and determination allowed him to face his difficulties with courage, proving that anything is possible when one sets their heart and mind to it. When Maya’s family was feeling helpless, he was able to use his own experience to provide solace and courage, even in his own absence. This courage was also used to impart strength and resilience onto others and inspire change in his family.
Bailey Johnson Jr. was admired and respected within his family unit and because of his own hardships and strength, was able to pass on a moral of courage, resilience and strength. He used his experience to show his siblings, Gogi and Maya, that despite the hardships they were facing, it was possible to push through and still extend love to those in need.
Bailey Jr. was an inspiration to his family, demonstrating that with faith and hope, anything is possible. He showed them the importance of giving, both to themselves and to others, and that courage and strength can be born from the most difficult of circumstances.
