Matriarch of Bailey’s Fine Jewelry dies at 100

A Rocky Mount woman who lived the early part of her life in an orphanage and who after her husband’s untimely death in 1963 led what became a flourishing jewelry business currently operated by family members is dead at the age of 100.

Ann Bailey, also known as “Mama Ann,” died Monday. In brief but lively remarks in a video posted online of her accepting the honor, Bailey said on camera that, after her husband’s death, the rest of the jewelers in Rocky Mount, who were men, predicted that she would be out of business in a couple of years.

“Boy, were they so wrong,” she said, to cheers from the gathering.

She also emphasized to the audience to never underestimate the power of a woman.

Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson, when reached by phone Wednesday, said that his heart and prayers are with the Bailey family amid their loss.

“It’s just tough,” Roberson said. “She had a wonderful life. She has a wonderful legacy. And the continuance of that story is still with us.”

Roberson said that her life and legacy were successes “in every measure.”