Drum Funeral Home-Hickory

03/14/2026

03/11/2026

We love our Funeral Directors!
Thank you for your tireless work, dedication, and sacrifice. We appreciate you!

03/11/2026

On March 5th, 2026, Janice Faye Reese Bailey went home to be with the Lord at the age of 83. She was born on June 18th, 1942, in Taylorsville, NC to the late Cletus B. Reese and Lena Sue Thomas Reese Beard. Janice was preceded in death by her parents and son-in-law, Rick Yates.
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Ronald B. Bailey of Hickory. She is also survived by her three children: Terri (Joe) Hartley, Rhonda (Jeff) Huffman, and Angie Yates; seven grandchildren: Nichalas Hartley, Nathaniel (Alicia) Hartley, Christina (Chad) Matthews, Jonathon Hartley, Casey Huffman, Alex Miller, and Darby Yates; seven great grandchildren including Adalyn Miller; her only sister and brother-in-law Glenda and Jimmie White; special niece Yalanda (Todd) Lail, special nephew Lance (MaryAnne) White and numerous other nieces and nephews. She leaves behind a special caregiver, Tina Bing.
For almost 30 years, Janice taught the 3-year-old preschool class at The Learning Tree School in Hickory and retired from there. She was a member of Lakeview Baptist Church where she taught GAs, VBS, and worked with the Helping Hands ministry. Janice had a strong faith that grounded her as she walked through life with contagious positivity and joy. She was beautiful, inside and out, and ensured all were included, especially when it came time to eat! Janice was an exceptional cook who showed her love by feeding you. She enjoyed being outside in nature, tending to her flowers or tanning in the sun. She loved to spend time in the mountains of NC and the beaches of SC, but her favorite place was “God’s country” aka Alexander County, NC.
Funeral services will be held at Drum Funeral Home on March 15th at 2:00pm with Pastor Troy Grant officiating. Following the service, family and friends will receive at Drum Funeral Home. Janice loved the color red, and we invite you to wear it at the service in her memory.
Condolences may be sent to the Bailey family at www.drumfh-hickory.com
Drum Funeral Home in Hickory is honored to be serving the Bailey family.

02/26/2026

Today we celebrate an incredible milestone — 40 years of faithful service by Patti Merritt office manager at Drum Funeral Home and Willis-Reynolds Funeral Home.
For four decades, Patti has been a steady presence, a compassionate heart, and a faithful servant to our community. Her dedication, grace, and commitment to excellence have left a lasting mark on our funeral home family and on this community.
Forty years is more than a number — it represents countless families served, friendships built, and lives touched.

Patti, your loyalty and love for what you do does not go unnoticed. We are so grateful for you and the legacy you continue to build every single day.

Please join us in congratulating Patti Merritt on 40 remarkable years! 🎉👏

02/20/2026

What is the difference between a cemetery and a graveyard?
While both are places where people are buried, a graveyard is affiliated with a church and a cemetery is not. Graveyards are often smaller, located on church grounds and may be limited to people of that faith or members of the church. Cemeteries are often larger and open to anyone who wishes to be buried there.

02/18/2026

Grieving while also facing costs they are not prepared for can be an incredible strain on loved ones - having a prepaid funeral plan helps. Learn how it works >>> https://www.dignitymemorial.com/pre-planning/funeral-costs/how-it-works

02/13/2026

Tomorrow is World Donor Day!
More than 100,000 people are waiting for a life-saving organ or tissue transplant. Show your support by registering as a donor in honor of National Donor Day! https://registerme.org/campaign/dignity

02/03/2026

Brenda Curtis Burns Martin, 81, of Conover, passed away on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at Catawba Valley Medical Center. Born May 20, 1944, in Catawba County, she was the daughter of the late James Curtis Burns and Margaret Tharpe Burns. She was previously employed at Walmart Neighborhood Market and was loved by all her customers. She loved taking annual vacations to the beach and Pigeon Forge with her daughter.
Brenda is survived by her daughter Trish Drum and husband Terry; son, Howard Martin and wife Brandi; sister, Barbara Martin; grandchild, Haden Hight; and great grandchild, Ivy Fay Hight also called by Brenda as “Precious” and when she was around her it made Brenda just lite up with joy.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, in the Chapel of Drum Funeral Home in Hickory with Rev. Bill Millinor officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens in Hickory.
Condolences may be sent to the Martin family at www.drumfh-hickory.com
Drum Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Martin family.