Martha Busby Bailey

Martha Busby Bailey, 75, died May 14, 2024, of complications from an earlier surgery.

She is survived by her husband of over 52 years, C. Lynn Bailey; a son, Christopher (Susanna) Bailey of Florida; two brothers, Rudy (Karen) Busby of Salisbury, NC and Robert (Bonnie) Busby of Asheville, NC ;and 8 nieces and nephews. Martha was predeceased by her parents, Dr. George F Busby and Dorothy Rudy Busby and an older brother George J Busby, all of Salisbury, NC.

Martha was born and grew up in Salisbury, NC. She graduated from Salisbury High School and the University of Michigan. She was an avid gymnast and gymnastics instructor when she met Lynn, who was serving as organist and choir director of St. John's Lutheran Church in Salisbury, NC. They were married on December 26, 1971, and that marriage determined the rest of her religious and musical life. Lynn completed seminary and was ordained, and Martha worked tirelessly to assist and support his ministry to congregations in Charlotte, NC, Columbia, SC, Del Ray Beach, FL, Charleston, SC. and San Jose, CA. After retirement, they relocated to Asheville, NC, where they found their church home at Calvary Episcopal Church . She was an avid harpist and they have both played harp frequently for church services and events.

Martha loved most sports and most music. She was very active in the American Harp Society, and in the University of Michigan Alumni groups wherever they lived. In particular, as President she led the Silicon Valley Chapter of the American Harp Society to national recognition as the outstanding chapter in the country, and established a Harp Live Zoom group.

The Baileys and Busbys would like to thank the staff of Advent Hospital ICU and Mission Hospital ICU for their kind and compassionate care while Martha was a patient.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Calvary Episcopal Church, 2840 Hendersonville Rd, Fletcher, NC 28732. Services will be held at the church at pm on Mon., May 20, 2024.