Juanita Pearl Bass

A Life Well Lived” Mrs. Juanita Pearl Edney Bass Sunrise: April 19, 1922 Sunset: February 20, 2021 On Wednesday, April 19, 1922, Juanita Pearl Edney Bass was born to the late Oscar Sally Edney and Maude Grey Edney in Aiken, South Carolina. She was the youngest of seven children. As a child, Juanita worked on her family's farm and attended school in Aiken County, South Carolina. When she was a young teen, she went to live with her beloved sister and brother-in-law, Mae Dell and Elbert Corbett until she was 21 years old. She often referred to them as her "parents" as they had a hand in raising her. She attended and graduated from Bettis Academy Junior College in Trenton, South Carolina and also completed a summer semester at South Carolina State University. Upon graduation, Juanita was a teacher and taught in the Aiken County Public School District. When Juanita was about 11 years old, a young man named Herbert said to an Aiken County candy store clerk, "Mr. Hamp, you see that little girl there? When she grows up, I'm going to marry her)." And marry her he did. On May 29, 1943, Herbert Bass and Juanita Edney were united in holy matrimony at the courthouse in Aiken County, South Carolina. Mr. Hamp later told Juanita, "Herbert told me he was going to marry you and I didn't believe him." Herbert and Juanita later moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania just before Herbert would be drafted into the service of the Army Aircorp in World War II. In 1945, the couple moved to Stamford, Connecticut where Juanita would reside for the next 76 years. To this union, two sons were born: Marvin C. Bass(1947) and Rodney Bass (1953). Juanita was contently married for 43 years before her husband's passing in 1986. She always thought of Herbert as a peaceable man, one with whom she could live with, and one whom loved, respected and protected her. For many years, Juanita worked as a factory worker at Bunker Ramo Corporation in Stamford, Connecticut. At the age of 62, Juanita retired to become a devoted Grandmother who took marvelous care of each of her grandchildren. She even moved from Stamford's Waterside to the Eastside so she could live next door and be available to her family. Everyone who knew Juanita, knew that her son Rodney, was her pride and joy. She was so proud to be the mother of a son of Stamford, whom she raised to accomplish much as a civil servant to his community, most recently being appointed to the Stamford Police Commission. She was very active and very present in the lives of her children and grandchildren. For every milestone, Juanita was there. She attended birthday parties, school plays, piano and dance recitals, baseball games, grade school graduations and most recently, her only grandson's wedding. As an avid advocate for obtaining a good education, one of Juanita's proudest achievements was being able to witness all of her grandchildren graduate from college! In addition, she was also proud to live to be able to vote for and see the first African American President, Barack H. Obama and the first female, African American and South Asian Vice President, Kamala D. Harris, take office. Having been born nearly a century ago at a time when formal segregation still existed, this was something special for Juanita to behold. Juanita was a fabulous cook and loved to entertain her family and friends. She hosted and attend parties and enjoyed being a socialite at various events and social clubs, including Stamford's Chancellors and Chancellorettes. She cherished her relationships with lifelong friends, some of whom included: Ms. Clara Catoe, the late Mrs. Velma Carter, the late Mrs. Odessa Davis, the late Ms. Flossie Walker, and Mr. Benjamin "Jimmy" Doleman. Her best friend of all was the late Mrs. Vernell Hewitt, with whom she traveled the country and enjoyed life together. She was an active church member at Bethel A.M.E Church in Stamford, CT for more than 50 years. She served on the Trustee Board which was responsible for erecting the church location at 150 Fairfield Avenue. She also served as a Sunday School teacher for many years before her health declined, preventing her from physical attendance. Most of all, Juanita adored her family very much. She felt that her greatest accomplishment was her family she made it clear that she did her very best in raising and nurturing us, which she did. Her favorite saying as of late was: "You've had me for a long time. I'm almost 100 years old, you know." nearly a centurion, her wisdom, razor sharp wit, sense of humor made Juanita the unique shining star among all who encountered her. She was often consulted for sage advice and wisdom, which she poured effortlessly into the lives of her family and community. Her mind was still sharp, even at 98 years of age. She was even affectionately known as "no filter Nita" because she believed in "telling it like it T-I- IS!" She was truly the most loving, caring and generous wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend anyone could ever have. Juanita was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Herbert L. Bass; her son, Mr. Marvin C. Bass; her parents, Oscar Sally "Rett" and Maude Grey Edney; and all of her siblings: Mrs. Marion "Sweet" Edney Vaughn, Mrs. Mae Dell Edney Corbett, Mr. George Wilmot "Bubba" Edney, Mrs. Mamie Edney Childs, Mr. Oscar Haynes Edney and Mr. Oscar Simmons. Although our mother, grandmother, aunt and friend will be greatly missed, we will hold always her in our hearts. She was the Matriarch of our family, our 'Pearl of Great Price' and we will always honor and uphold her legacy. She will forever be remembered and cherished by her son, Mr. Rodney (Sharon) Bass of Stamford, CT; her daughter Mrs. Karen Graves Medley of Stamford, CT. and her five grandchildren: Rev. Jessica N. Bass of San Antonio, TX; Mr. Wesley (Brooke) Bass of Stamford, CT; Ms. Moriah T. Bass of Stamford, CT; Mrs. Keishaana (Michael) Kelly of Derby, CT and Mrs. Dawn Bass-Farrell of Bridgeport, CT. Juanita will also be dearly missed by her sister-in-law, Ms. Nenita Simmons of Stamford, CT; her godson, Mr. James L. Core, III of Houston, TX as well as by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mother Juanita Pearl Edney Bass was truly a life well lived. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 from 10:30AM - 12:00PM followed by a service of celebration at 12:00PM at Graves Medley Funeral Services, 31 Stillwater Ave., Stamford, CT. with Rev. Dr. Robert A. Jackson, Jr. officiating . Interment will follow at Fairfield Memorial Park, Stamford.

Tributes

Juanita Pearl Bass

April 19, 1922 - February 20, 2021