Jo Ellen Finch Murray

Jo Ellen Finch Murray 86 of Bailey, passed away on Friday, May 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at Bailey United Methodist Church, 12437 Green Street, Bailey. Inurnment will be held Thursday, May 21, 2026, in Bailey Town Cemetery, Bailey. Pastor Michael Coppock will officiate.

The family will receive friends prior to the service on Wednesday evening from 5 - 6:45 p.m. at Bailey United Methodist Church, Bailey.

Jo Ellen worked for the Internal Revenue Service right out of high school and was the proud owner of Murray’s Flowers for thirty-two years, during which she made many close friends. She loved her church and church family. She took part in multiple committees, functions while serving the church. She was also a member of the Ethel Merritt Circle. Retirement didn’t slow her down either, she volunteered with Meals on Wheels for several years, the Wilson Women’s Club, and the Bailey Chamber of Commerce. She enjoyed gathering with family and friends, dancing and listening to music. She realized early that her purpose in life was to help and take care of others.

Jo Ellen is survived by her daughter, Paige Lewis of Bailey; son Kelly Murray and wife, Cenia of Bailey; grandchildren Morgan Smith and husband, Michael, Robert Murray, and Nathan Murray. She is also survived by a brother, Harry Finch of Bailey.

Jo Ellen was preceded in death by her husband, Robert D. Murray; parents Robert and Beatrice Finch; granddaughter Madison Lewis; sister Faye Williams, and brother Bobby Lee Finch.

In lieu of flowers you can make donations in the memory of Madison Lewis to the National MPS Society, 1007 Slater Road, Suite 220, Durham, North Carolina 27703 or in Jo Ellen’s memory to the Bailey United Methodist Church, 12437 Green Street, Bailey, North Carolina 27807.

Condolences directed to Joyner’s Funeral Home and Crematory at www.joyners.net.