Mary Helen Bass

Mrs. Mary Helen Whitfield Bass, Age 82 of Lebanon, TN., died Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at Quality Care Health Center, Lebanon, TN. of Alzheimer’s complications. Mrs. Bass was born June 30, 1926 in Perry, Taylor County, Florida the daughter of the late Mary Estelle Hendry (1997) and Benjamin Wycliffe Whitfield (1931). She was a 1944 graduate of Taylor County High School. Her family, the Hendrys, during the late 19th and early 20th century provided a large number of Methodist ministers spreading Christianity throughout South Georgia and North Florida. She was preceded in death by a Sister, Sara Nell in 2005 and two Brothers, Edwin in 1991 and Harold in 1973. In 1943 Mary Helen met Lt. Bernie S. Bass who was assigned as a pilot at Perry Army Air Field. They were married on August 30, 1945 at Perry Methodist Church. She was a military wife accompanying her husband on most assignments. She raised their children alone through many of their formative years when Bernie was away from home for extended military duty including overseas tours to Japan, Korea and South Vietnam. All honor and praise goes to Mary Helen for her continued understanding, devotion, love and affection over the years. She loved her family and was proud of their accomplishments. She was a gifted pianist, skillful bridge player and a wonderful cook enjoying people and being around them. She was a member of La Coterie, a member and Elder of First Presbyterian Church, Lebanon, TN., being deeply involved in Church work, Sunday School, Bible Class, Morning Circle, Handbell Choir, sewing circle and craft fairs. Mary Helen is survived by her Husband, Col. Bernie S. Bass, (USAF, Ret.) of Lebanon, TN. Sons: Ronald Dennis Bass of Washington, DC and Mark Duncan Bass and his wife, Ronda of St. Charles, MO. Daughter, Cara Bass Chipkevich and her husband, Robert of Burke, VA. Grandchildren: Ben Chipkevich of Memphis, TN and Mary Ann Chipkevich of Burke, VA., Stephanie Bass of St. Charles, MO and Specialist First Class Scott Bass, U.S. Army, stationed in Italy, and numerous nieces and nephews. Services for Mrs. Bass will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 304 West Main Street, Lebanon, TN on Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Dr. John Cheetham, officiating. Interment will follow at 1:00 P.M. at the Gordonsville Cemetery, Gordonsville, TN.The Bass family will receive friends at Ligon & Bobo Funeral Home, 241 West Main Street, Lebanon, TN on Friday from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. and on Saturday at First Presbyterian Church from 10:00 A.M. until service time at 11:00 A.M.Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Lebanon; the Alzheimer’s Association or a charity of your choice.

Mary Helen Bass

June 30, 1926 - December 23, 2008