Sunset for our beloved mother, Martha H. Bailey, was on March 30, 2018.  She was born February 28, 1923 in Anson County, NC to the late James Ratcliff and Adeline Harris.  Martha was the oldest of eight children.  Mrs. Bailey was caring, loved and respected by everyone who knew her.  All of the younger family members and friends referred to her as "Granny".

Mrs. Bailey attended public school in Anson/Morven County, NC.  She moved to Winston Salem, NC in 1945.  Mrs. Bailey began her career with Zabo/Canteen Food Services as a line cook, and soon became the head chef at Western Electric where she retired in 1975. Her cooking was unbeatable and her family and friends always gathered at her house for holidays and Sunday dinners.

Mrs. Bailey married Richard Joshua Bailey of Winston Salem, NC on January 18, 1949 and their bond produced two sons, Richard Lavon Bailey and Charles Leonard Bailey.  Her devotion to her family was very important to her – she loved them dearly.

After retiring she joined several community social clubs and enjoyed playing Pokeno, Bingo and traveling with her friends.  She made numerous trips to Pittsburgh, PA, New Orleans, LA, Jacksonville, FL and Atlanta, GA to visit her family and grandchildren.

Mrs. Bailey was baptized at an early age and was guided by her faith in Christ throughout her life.  She was a lifelong member of Goler Memorial AME Zion Church, where she was active in the Gospel Choir and Usher Board.

Mrs. Bailey was preceded in death by her husband Richard Bailey; and her siblings, J. C. Douglas, James Nash Douglas, Jeretha Douglas, Helen Douglas, Lillie Mae Cox and Myrtle Douglas.

Those left to cherish her memories are: two sons, Richard (Hartensia) Bailey of Winston Salem, NC, Charles (Carolyn) Bailey of Atlanta, GA; six grandchildren, NC, Joshua (Lakina) Bailey of Raleigh, NC, Kahmil (William) Perkins of Raleigh, NC, Aundrea (Damilola) Bakare of Atlanta, GA, Charles Walker Bailey of Atlanta, GA, Alexander Sterling Bailey of Winston Salem, NC, Gregory (Rebecca) Davis of Winston Salem, NC; seven great grandchildren, Ashley, Joshua, Yinka, William Charles, Justin, Dagan and Jordan; one brother, Mr. Willie Thomas Douglas of Greensboro, NC and a host of loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am Friday, April 6, 2018 at Goler Memorial AME Zion Church with Rev. Dr. George Banks officiating.  Interment will follow in Woodland Cemetery. The family visitation will be held from 10:30am until 11:00am on Friday at the Church.