Jewell M. Bailey

Edith Jewell Bailey, age 103, of Bunn, North Carolina, was welcomed home into the loving arms of her Savior on the morning of February 11, 2026, after a long and beautiful life lived in faith, love, and strength.

Edith Jewell—known lovingly as Jewell by family and friends—was born on November 16, 1922, to the late Clyde Blythe Mullen and Bertha Brewer Mullen.  She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Thurston Bailey, and her siblings: O’Deyne Mullen, Ann Mullen Williams, Bertha Mullen Kearney and Maurice Mullen.

Jewell's life was rooted in her deep love for God and her unwavering devotion to family and friends.  Anyone who spent time with her could see this reflected in everything she did.  If there was a need, she never hesitated to help and always covered it in prayer.

She was the heart of her home, and her doors were open to all.  Many found refuge there during life’s storms.  Her kitchen was a place of comfort and gathering—where family and friends would stop by at any time, often with little notice, to enjoy her wisdom, storytelling, home-cooked meals, and the laughter sparked by her quick wit and gentle sarcasm.

Jewell dearly loved her church family at Poplar Spring Baptist and faithfully served, including teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir.  In addition to tending a farm and raising five children, she retired as a department manager at JC Penney in Raleigh.

The family will receive friends 1 – 1:45 pm Wednesday, February 18th  with the funeral service to follow at 2 pm at Poplar Spring Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Bunn Memorial Gardens.

She is survived by her children: Sharon Wester (Tim), Ted Bailey (Kum Sun), Tommy Bailey (Susan), Donna Pace (Alan), June Alford (Jon); grandchildren: Bart Wester, Juli Barefoot, Chad Wester, Todd Wester, Chance Bailey, Steven Bailey, Michelle Fisher, Allison Pace, Ashley Kreider, Jordan Perkins, Emily Pace, Jonathan Cash, Joshua Cash, Brittney Handel, Audrey Alford; sister in law, Linda Mullen and 21 great grandchildren.

Jewell’s legacy of faith, generosity, and love will live on in all who were blessed to know her.

In lieu of flowers family is requesting donations be made to Poplar Spring Baptist Church or Heartland Hospice.

Arrangements are by Strickland Funeral Home & Crematory, Louisburg, www.stricklandfuneralhome.net.

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