Wednesday, July 29, 2026 10:49 am

Martha Jo Bailey, age 77, of Forest City, passed away Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Martha was born March 28, 1949 in Rutherford County to the late Griffin and Carolyn Earley. She was an avid Softball player for the Spindale Police Club and later was an umpire. Martha was of the Baptist faith.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Joseph Michael Bailey and her sister, Sandra Earley.

Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Rhonda Stephens (Damon) of Gastonia; sons, Ray Bailey (Ann) of Forest City and Basil Earley (Tahnia) of Bostic; brother, Ronald Early of Charlotte; grandchildren, Danielle Boone, Jessice Bailey, Brian Bailey (Virginia), Odin Bailey, Sara Stephens, Emily Drewery (Gavin), Elijah Brooks, Malachi Earley; great grandchildren, Isaiah, Mason, Natalie, Wynter, Bransyn, Bentley, Bradley, Kloee, Tamsyn and Clark.

In accordance with Martha's wishes there will be no formal services.

Memorial donations requested to VIA Wendover Hospice, 953 Wendover Heights Dr., Shelby, NC 28150.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.