Jacksonville - Martha Ann Bailes, 74 of Rusk passed away December 25, 2023. She was born January 18, 1949 in Rusk to Clifton and Elsie Surette Bell. Mrs. Bailes is a lifelong resident of Rusk, TX. She graduated from Rusk High School in 1968. She married Connie Leo Bailes in 1969, he preceded her in death January 8, 2006.

Martha retired from the Cherokee County Sheriff Dept where she had worked as a jailor. She loved to work in her garden and her flower beds, and collected anything with a mushroom on it or shaped like a mushroom. If you happened to run into her while she was out shopping, you might as well get ready to talk, cause she never met a stranger and loved to visit with anyone.

Mrs. Bailes is survived by her sons: Shannon Bailes and wife, Shasta, and Keith Bailes and wife Katie; brother: Fred Bell and his wife Janice; grandchildren: Shanin Ford and spouse Jimmy Scoma, III, Sommer Letteney and spouse Jake Letteney, Colton Bailes, Kayleigh Bailes, Karla Morris, Annie Morris, and Emmy Bailes; six great grandchildren; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years: Connie Leo Bailes and her parents: Clifton and Elsie Bell.

Visitation for Mrs. Bailes will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, December 29, 2023 at Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home with graveside services to be held at 12 Noon at Sardis Edgefield Cemetery with Bro. Michael Guess officiating. Pallbearers will be: Jake Letteney, Jake Ward, Josh Ward, Charlie Harris, Michael Dominy, and Daniel Moore. Arrangements are under the direction of Wallace-Thompson Funeral Home.