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.”

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

William F. West Staff WriterReflector

A place for culinary education officially opened on Wednesday afternoon in an upgraded pre-Civil War structure at the Rocky Mount Mills.

The Seed, which is in the two-story Battle House off Falls Road, is another extension of the efforts of Ripe for Revival, which deploys mobile markets to help remedy food insecurity locally and regionally.

“The fact that y’all are standing here is very humbling,” Ripe for Revival founder Will Kornegay told a gathering of officials, leaders and residents in attendance to celebrate the location of the cooking program.

Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson told the gathering Wednesday that, “This space is more than a building. It will become a culinary and community hub.”

Roberson emphasized that the story of Ripe Revival began with a simple yet powerful idea: “Good food should not be wasted — and no one in our community should go without access to it.”

And he spoke of the subsequent development of Ripe for Revival, which operates a fleet of buses and trucks with trailers and which currently serves an area extending from Butner to New Bern.

“It ensures that families in need are served with dignity while also giving others the opportunity to help their neighbors,” Roberson said. “It turns food into a bridge between people and not a barrier.”

Roberson also noted that Ripe for Revival added a mobile kitchen to provide culinary education on the road and to open doors to learning skills and opportunity.

The Seed opens at Rocky Mount Mills

A place for culinary education officially opened on Wednesday afternoon in an upgraded pre-Civil War structure at the Rocky Mount Mills.

William F. West Staff WriterRockyMount Telegram

The franchise owner of the local Chick-fil-A was honored as the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year at the pro-business organization’s 122nd annual meeting, which was held Tuesday evening.

Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson, himself a past recipient of the Chamber distinguished citizen award, said over the phone earlier this month that Tuesday’s recognition was certainly a well-deserved honor for Lehnes.

“Bill is a fine individual — and I think the world of him,” Roberson said. “And I’m happy for him in getting this distinct honor.”

Lehnes is Rocky Mount Area Chamber’s 2025 top citizen

The franchise owner of the local Chick-fil-A was honored as the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year at the pro-business organization’s 122nd annual meeting, which

William F. West Staff WriterRockyMount Telegram

Thanks to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Smoky Mountains, North Carolina has earned a reputation for a strong outdoor adventure scene and stunning High Country views. The state has everything from deep gorges and craggy peaks to stunning waterfalls along the Blue Ridge Parkway. But the countryside isn't the only attraction in North Carolina, as even the cities and towns of North Carolina have rich histories and their own unique cultures. One such town in the northern half of the state is Rocky Mount, approximately an hour (70 miles) via US-64 from Raleigh, the lush "city in a park" and capital of North Carolina.

Rocky Mount began as an agrarian railroad town in the mid-1800s, and tobacco and cotton were its primary exports. The town is centered on the Tar River, which became an integral part of Rocky Mount's character. Even the name Rocky Mount was likely derived from "rocky mound," the main descriptor of the uneven boulders surrounding the Tar River. While Rocky Mount has since grown from a small settlement around a post office into a town of over 54,000 people, it still has the close-knit feel and local artistic presence.

Downtown Rocky Mount is the cultural hub of the town. It features a mix of modern businesses and restaurants, surrounded by mixed-use historic sites like Rocky Mount Mills. It even has a designated social district specifically designed to be walkable and pedestrian-friendly. As a result, downtown Rocky Mount becomes the go-to destination for locals during the weekends, with large crowds making their way here to enjoy a day out. "We're seeing 8,000, 10,000 people consistently Thursday, Friday, Saturday into Sunday — and that's impactful," Mayor Sandy Roberson told ABC11.

Read More: https://www.islands.com/2069075/rocky-mount-north-carolina-near-raleigh-charming-town-walkable-downtown-parks-tasty-eats/

North Carolina’s Charming Town An Hour Outside Raleigh Offers A Walkable Downtown And Artsy Vibes - Islands

Rocky Mount, near Raleigh, North Carolina, is gaining praise for preserving history while opening new food and drink options in and around a walkable downtown.

Kirtana MenonIslands

The White House announced Monday that President Donald Trump will visit Rocky Mount on Friday. The subject of the president’s visit has not been disclosed.

Rocky Mount is located in North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District, currently represented by Democratic Rep. Don Davis. The district is expected to be among the most closely watched races in the 2026 election cycle after state lawmakers redrew North Carolina’s congressional map, shifting boundaries in both the 1st and 3rd Districts in an effort to improve Republican electoral prospects.

Trump to visit Rocky Mount Friday as NC’s 1st District draws attention

The White House announced Monday that President Donald Trump will visit Rocky Mount on Friday. The subject of the president’s visit has not been disclosed.

donna-kingCarolina Journal

The featured speaker at Tuesday’s annual Veterans Day ceremony downtown quoted the late President John F. Kennedy in appealing for support for veterans and those currently serving in the armed forces.

Kennedy, as part of his 1963 proclamation in advance of Thanksgiving, said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”

Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson also addressed the gathering Tuesday and expressed appreciation to the veterans.

“The promise of freedom that we wake up each morning — freedom to worship, to speak, to learn and to dream — exists because you defended it,” Roberson told the veterans gathered. “In a world that feels increasingly uncertain, your devotion to service remains a source of stability and hope.”

Roberson noted that many of the veterans gathered for Tuesday’s ceremony continue to serve the community in ways that are inspirational.

“You volunteer, you mentor, you build community, you support fellow veterans — and you push all of us to be better citizens and better neighbors,” he said. “Rocky Mount is stronger because of you. Thank you.”

Roberson also said that the sacrifices of the families of veterans are felt and honored as well.

“You have shouldered long nights, long deployments and long prayers — and we recognize you and we thank you,” he said.

The future Rocky Mount Slim Chickens off North Winstead Avenue is “coming soon,” the website for the Southern-based fast-casual restaurant chain is saying.

Luke Simmons, the CEO for Fly the Coop and the point of contact for the future location, did not yet have a specific time and date for the opening when reached via email Tuesday. Simmons said that an update would be provided soon.

Slim Chickens is known for featuring chicken tenders-based meals.

Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson said in a phone interview Wednesday evening that he has never eaten at a Slim Chickens before and that he cannot wait to try to the future Rocky Mount location after the doors and the drive-thru are opened to customers.

“I think it’s going to be fantastic,” Roberson said.

Roberson said that he has spoken to several people who have been to a Slim Chickens.

“And they love them,” he said. “They think they’re awesome.”

Slim Chickens ‘coming soon’ to city, chain’s website says

The future Rocky Mount Slim Chickens off North Winstead Avenue is “coming soon,” the website for the Southern-based fast-casual restaurant chain is saying.

William F. West Staff WriterRockyMount Telegram

Work on a future light industrial park was officially started Thursday afternoon with a groundbreaking ceremony just off Thomas A. Betts Parkway, with the developer, N.C. Chief Deputy Commerce Secretary Kenny Flowers and Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson being among the speakers.

Rocky Mount Industrial Village is northwest of the city. The purpose of the project is to have first-class buildings for current and new businesses and industries.

Roberson called the Rocky Mount Industrial Village both a milestone for the city and a foundation for many great things to come.

“This is exactly the kind of industrial project our community has needed for years — and today marks the beginning of that,” Roberson said.

Additionally, he said that he sees the project as setting the stage for long-term success.

“This development represents more than bricks, steel and concrete,” he said. “It represents momentum. It means we are ready to respond swiftly when industrial prospects come calling, which is indeed a huge deal for us.

“It means new companies choosing Rocky Mount,” he said. “It means existing companies expanding right here at home.”

Beyond the jobs created and the tax revenue generated, Roberson added, the project is expected to enhance the city’s reputation as a “business-friendly destination — one that welcomes innovation and rewards investment.”

Future light industrial park starts to take shape

Work on a future light industrial park was officially started Thursday afternoon with a groundbreaking ceremony just off Thomas A. Betts Parkway, with the developer, N.C. Chief Deputy Commerce Secretary

William F. West Staff WriterRockyMount Telegram

Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson made clear that in the aftermath of internal findings of the condition of the city’s finances, he would welcome an investigation by the N.C. Office of the State Auditor.

Roberson said in a phone interview Monday afternoon that he does not know whether representatives of the state auditor’s office are currently conducting a probe.

The mayor said that based on a conversation he had, indications were that the auditor’s office intended on engaging in one.

“And I hope that that will be done sooner than later — and I hope that we get results sooner than later,” Roberson said.

Mayor says he would welcome probe by state auditor’s office

Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson made clear that in the aftermath of internal findings of the condition of the city’s finances he would welcome an investigation by the N.C. Office

William F. West Staff WriterRockyMount Telegram

Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson has addressed the city’s financial crisis in a Q&A video.

According to the Mayor, the city has been spending millions of dollars more than it collects due to inaccurate budget numbers and the city staff’s failure to provide adequate financial statements. However, the practice has been stopped, and a forensic audit is being conducted to understand the cause.

CLICK HERE for the Q&A video.