The story of the Crossley-Bailey family begins in the heart of rural southern Mississippi during a time when the odds were stacked against African Americans. Both born in 1905, Eddie Alforence Crossley and Modessa Bailey, the steadfast patriarch and matriarch of the family, built their legacy against the backdrop of Jim Crow laws, systemic racism, and economic hardship. From the late 1920s through the 1940s, they raised 14 children in the deeply rooted values of family, faith, and hard work.
Eddie Alforence was a sharecropper and an early-day entrepreneur who organized and transported migrant workers across the country, helping them find opportunities to harvest crops. Meanwhile, Modessa anchored the family home, instilling strength and resilience in their children as she navigated life’s challenges with grace and determination.
When Eddie Alforence passed away in the mid-1950s, the family was faced with unimaginable adversity. Yet, through their strong family bond and unshakable commitment to one another, they persevered. In the decades that followed, the children of Eddie Alforence and Modessa carried forward their legacy of love and unity, even as they faced the injustices and hardships of the segregated South.
The First Family Reunion: A Spark of Togetherness
In the midst of life’s trials, it was Modessa who rekindled the flame of unity that would carry the Crossley-Bailey family for generations. Decades after Eddie Alforence’s passing, Modessa called her children together at the family home in Mississippi. There was no formal plan, just a heartfelt desire to see her children gathered once again under one roof.
They came together with what they had—memories, love, and determination. They cooked together, played together, laughed together, and cried together. What started as a simple gathering turned into their first family reunion, igniting a tradition that would span nearly 50 years.
From Mississippi to Texas: A Growing Legacy
What began as a family of 14 siblings has grown into a nationwide network of over 500 family members spread across California, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana, and Illinois. Despite the passing of many of the original siblings—with just two remaining today—the family bond remains as strong as ever.
Each year, the Crossley-Bailey Family Reunion serves as a time to honor the past, celebrate the present, and embrace the future. The reunion alternates between Mississippi, where the family roots run deep, and Texas, where many descendants have built new chapters of their lives. Each state has its own reunion board and committee, working tirelessly over nine months to plan the annual event.
A Celebration of Legacy and Love
Held over the Labor Day weekend, the Crossley-Bailey Family Reunion is a three-day celebration of love, heritage, and togetherness. Each event is thoughtfully designed to create lasting memories and honor the family’s history:
- Friday Night Arrival Party: As family members arrive from near and far, the reunion kicks off with an evening of warm embraces, shared laughter, and the joy of reconnecting.
- Saturday Afternoon Fish Fry: A southern tradition that brings everyone together over crispy fish, homemade sides, and the comfort of shared stories and conversations.
- Saturday Night Gala: The highlight of the weekend, this formal affair celebrates the family’s achievements, resilience, and legacy. It’s a night filled with music, dancing, and heartfelt speeches honoring the generations that came before.
- Sunday Afternoon Barbecue: The reunion concludes with a relaxed and joyful barbecue, where the family gathers to reflect on the weekend, share future plans, and say their goodbyes—until next year.
Looking Ahead to the 50th Reunion
As the family approaches its 50th reunion, there is much to celebrate and reflect upon. The Crossley-Bailey family is a living testament to the power of love, unity, and resilience. What began with Eddie Alforence and Modessa’s vision of a better future has blossomed into a legacy that spans generations.
This family, forged in the fires of adversity, continues to honor its roots while building a brighter future for the next generation. Each reunion is not just a gathering but a declaration of triumph—a reminder that no matter how far they are spread across the country, the Crossley-Bailey family will always be connected by their shared history and enduring love.
The story of the Crossley-Bailey Family Reunion is one of perseverance, togetherness, and an unshakable commitment to honoring the legacy of those who came before. With every fish fry, every laugh, every dance, and every memory made, the family’s bond grows stronger, ensuring that the Crossley-Bailey legacy will continue to shine for generations to come.