Sharone White Bailey was known for her selfless giving and volunteer work in her small, tight-knit Northampton community.
She regularly helped needy people get eyeglasses and medication, and she bought food for struggling families in the area.
Last month, the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce named Bailey its Citizen of the Year because of her volunteerism.
But her love of helping others ended Friday.
Bailey, 57, was stabbed at her home in the 11000 block of Occohannock Neck Road on Friday afternoon, according to the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office .
Derrick Demond Epps, 36, was charged with first-degree murder, entering a house with intent to commit murder, and assault and battery of a law enforcement officer. He is being held at the Eastern Shore Regional Jail without bond.
Northampton authorities say the case is under investigation.
Bailey’s husband, Roland “Butch” Bailey, a local mechanic, said Epps had lived with his mother across the street from the couple for about a year.
He said family and friends don’t know what the motive was for the stabbing, but he said he knew Epps had mental health issues.
“She didn’t expect he would be that violent,” Bailey said. “He needed help and apparently he didn’t get it quick enough.”
Family and friends were shocked and saddened by Sharone’s death. Still, they gathered at Butch’s Cars and Parts Inc. on Lankford Highway on Saturday evening to celebrate the business’s 25th anniversary.
Bailey said his wife had helped him plan the celebration, so he still wanted to hold the festivities in her honor.
“I know she would want me to do it,” he said, perched in a chair in the corner of the shop. “I just have to go ahead and take care of business.”
Family friend Charles Kellam described Sharone as a popular, active member of the community.
“She was always trying to make people better,” he said Saturday. “She never caused anyone any trouble.”
The Baileys were married for 20 years.
Sharone never had any children of her own, but she had two stepdaughters.
She received a degree in social work from Norfolk State University and her master’s from Ohio State University.
She was a board member of Eastern Shore Rural Health System and part owner of Therapeutic Intervention, where she worked with at-risk kids.
Sharone sang in the choir of Macedonia A.M.E. Church in Accomac, where she had been a member since childhood.
She was an avid gospel and jazz listener and had a fondness for old-fashioned love songs by Roberta Flack and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.
On Friday, Roland Bailey said she had “I’m Blessed,” by the Rev. Clay Evans, in the CD player in her car.
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Derrick Demond Epps of Exmore was sentenced Friday in Northampton Circuit Court in the murder of Sharone Bailey of Exmore.
Epps was convicted of 1st degree murder and declined a trial by jury.
