Special to IFN
For more than three decades, Rosie Bailey has served the Lake Norman community with consistency, compassion, and joy—helping wherever help was needed.
From welcoming FeedNC guests in the dining room and assisting with community meals to organizing food drives and offering words of encouragement to neighbors, she has been a cornerstone of FeedNC’s volunteer family. Her steadfast presence and genuine care have touched thousands of lives across the years.
As Bailey, 89, prepares to move closer to her family, the FeedNC team celebrates her legacy with deep gratitude and love. Her departure marks the end of an era but leaves behind an enduring reminder of what it means to serve with heart.
“Since the very beginning of FeedNC—when we were known as the Mooresville Soup Kitchen, Rosie Bailey has been the heart and hands of our mission. Through her work leading our Hygiene Hub, she has cared for some of our most vulnerable neighbors with dignity and love—helping them wash clothes, find comfort, and feel seen,” said Angela Kline, chief executive officer of FeedNC.
“In the 16 years I have worked with and for Ms. Rosie, I have found her passion and dedication to serving the community an inspiration for all the volunteers,” added fellow volunteer Patty Schmid. “She is a delight.”
Bailey’s story stands as a testament to the lasting impact of volunteerism and the difference one person can make over time. Each month, FeedNC volunteers serve thousands of neighbors with dignity and care—just as Rosie has done faithfully for decades.
LEARN MORE
To learn more about volunteering with FeedNC, visit www.feednc.org or contact Volunteer Coordinator Stephanie Coffel at scoffel@feednc.org.
About FeedNC
FeedNC creates connections to food, education, and resources as a catalyst for change in the Lake Norman region. Through community meals, grocery support, workforce development, and
wrap-around services, FeedNC works alongside neighbors to build pathways to stability with dignity and respect.
I have had the great honor of knowing Rosie Bailey all my life. I call her, “Aunt Rose.” She is my mother’s oldest sister. Aunt Rose has never met a stranger; she has always been a helper to all who need help in some way. I love that I inherited this great characteristic; it brings a warmth throughout the body from giving selflessly. Working at FeedNC, or as we called it, “the Soup Kitchen,” was a joy for her and she took great pride in being a member to help the community. I have never known a time when Aunt Rose didn’t talk about working at the Soup Kitchen. This was her second family, and she loved each and every person that came through the doors. But most of all she loved the people she worked alongside of everyday. That’s right she never wanted to miss a day! She will miss them as much as they are going to miss her. Thank you FeedNC, for providing a place and service for my aunt to share her gifts of loving and helping all the people of your community near and far.
All my love,
J. Anderson, Esq.