Isabelle Taylor Bass
1914 ~ 2017
Date of death: September 13, 2017
In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Bass family. Isabelle's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Rowell-Parish Mortuary. Revelations 21:4 says "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall their be anymore pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Mother Isabelle Bass.
Sincerely,
Derrick B.Veasley ~ Director
Henry B.Veasley ~ Director
Pastor Andrew Robertson ~ Chaplain
Isabelle Taylor Bass was born April 30, 1914 in Little Rock, Arkansas to William Walter Taylor and Georgia Anna Johnson Taylor. Sister Bass, her 2 sisters, Hazel, Bessie, and her parents moved to Jacktown, OK. The family moved to Fort Smith at age 7. She attended Washington Elementary and graduated from Lincoln High School Class of 1933.
Sister Bass united with Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in 1934. She has worked in all departments and has been church clerk for over 70 years! Until very recently, she taught the Beginners and Primary Sunday School class. She served as Cherub Choir Director, Secretary of The Pearl Gilyard Circle, Choir member for many years and a faithful Baptist Training Union member.
Sister Bass has served in various offices in Regular Antioch District; Past President of the Women’s Auxiliary, served for over 50 years as Secretary of the District Singing Convention, Chairman of the Regular Arkansas State Deaconess Board, she also became Antioch District and Regular State Women’s Queen SEVERAL times.
Sister Bass was one of the founding members and last living member of the local Rainbow Girls Organization, founded in 1945. She along with Sister Katherine Brown was honored January 19, 2009 for their contributions and commitment to service that made a positive impact in the community. They spearhead efforts to meet needs of the Twin Cities Colored Hospital in Fort Smith. They saw a need and chose not to ignore it.
Sister Bass was a board member of the McGill Center, retired board member who served as Secretary of Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council, Inc., Member of Queen Esther Chapter Order of Eastern Star #265, serving as treasurer for many years. She is also a member of the C. J. Jemison Assembly Order of Golden Circle #251. She sung with the Inter Church Community Choir, and served as a poll worker. She has ridden with our late Mayor Ray Baker as Grand Marshall in parades.
Sister Bass was preceded in death by her loving husband John Edgar Bass, Jr., her god-son Calvin Christian, her parents William & Georgia Johnson-Taylor, and her two sisters Hazel & Bessie Taylor.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory, two god-daughters, Denice Gilyard (Ricky) McCurtain of Spiro, OK. Tiffinee Baker of Fort Smith, AR; two nephews, Isiah Earl (Anita) Boatwright of Los Angeles, CA; Ronald (Esther) Boatwright of Houston, TX and a host of other nephews, nieces, cousins & friends.
Visitation will be held Thursday, September 21, 2017 from 6pm-7pm at Rowell-Parish Mortuary.
Celebration of life service will be held Friday, September 22, 2017, 11:00am at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 4225 High St., Fort Smith, AR 72904.
