Nelda Joan Wakefield Bailey, age 76, of Morganton passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2026. She was born July 19, 1949 in Caldwell County to the late James A. and Margaret Mary Etta Johnson Wakefield. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by a sister, Janice Corpening; a granddaughter, Taylor Nicole Bailey; and two nephews, V. A. Corpening and Keith Corpening.

Those left to cherish her memory include her three sons, Larry G. Bailey, IV of Tennessee; Barry A. Bailey and wife Lindsay of Catawba; and Gary A. Bailey and wife Chasty of Lenoir; one daughter, Caroline E. Bailey of Charlotte; one brother, James Wakefield and wife Bobbie of Morganton; one sister, Mary Harshaw of Morganton; five grandchildren, Aja Bailey, Victoria Bailey, Nadia Bailey, Katherine Bailey, and Angel Hall; and Nieces and Nephews, Kelvin Corpening, Sandra Walker, Kathy Corpening, Karla Corpening, Glenn Wakefield, Brian Harshaw, Marsha Harshaw, Karol Harshaw Ellis, Herbie Dula, Lisa Corpening, Crystal Dixon, and Lynn Phillips.

A special thank you to cousin and friend, Linda Williams.

Funeral Services will be Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at the Life Center in Lenoir with Pastor Terry Hunt and Pastor Mike Mathis officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior from 1:00 – 2:00 P.M. at the Life Center.

Interment will follow the service at Hartland Cemetery in Morganton.

Pallbearers are Glenn Wakefield, Jr., Kenneth Conley, Harvey Walker II, Louie Corpening II, Evan Dixon, and Connor Lacz.

Following the graveside, there will be a repass at Ms. Nelda's home, 4220 Piney Road, Morganton, NC 28655.

Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Bailey family.