Delphia “Del” Lucille Johnson Bass passed away peacefully in her sleep on the night of May 8, 2016 at her home of 60 years in Norfolk. Born on Red Root Ridge in Tazewell County, Virginia on May 10, 1929, she moved to Norfolk at the age of 16. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Susan Bass Williams, and son-in-law Talmage T. Williams, III of Hanover County, Virginia. Del is also survived by two very special nieces, Doris Ratliff (Larry) of Cedar Bluff and Phyllis Boyd of Chesterfield, a brother-in-law, Don Helbert, of Cleveland, sister Mavis Johnson of Richlands, numerous nieces and nephews, very special neighbors from in and around the “Best Corner in the World,” and her church family.
Del was preceded in death by her husband of 28 years, John Ed Bass; sisters Mary Nelson (Carl), Betty Washburn, Helen Yeary and Emogene Helbert; brothers Curtis Johnson (Gussie) and Otis Johnson (Uva); brother-in-law Clifford Washburn; numerous dear friends; and beloved dogs Sheba and Bonita. Del was a faithful member of Riverside Baptist Church since 1970. She retired from Be-Lo Foods (Princess Anne Road location) after nearly two decades of service as a cashier. Del will be remembered most for her love of her family and God, her independent spirit and the special place she held in her heart for animals – especially dogs and rabbits.
Special thanks is owed to Dr. David Grulke, her physician for nearly 40 years who took tremendous care of her and was always there for Del and her daughter Susan. In addition, Mark Albert was her neighbor and friend who was always there for her and showed her countless kindnesses over many years. Special thanks is also owed to Dr. William Waldrop, who gave Del her life back in 2003 and, along with Sheila Gordon, helped her to sustain it for more than a decade. Last, but certainly not least, special thanks is owed to her home health care nurse of several years, Sarah Anderson, and more recently, Emily Starke, each of whom provided excellent care as well as compassion and kindness.
The family will receive friends at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5792 Greenwich Rd, Va. Beach on Friday from 5-7pm. A funeral service will be held in Riverside Baptist Church, 5768 Sellger Dr, Norfolk on Saturday at 10am, Rev. Fred L. Williams officiating. Burial following in Forest Lawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Norfolk SPCA by visiting In Loving Memory of Del Bass. Online condolences may be shared below.
Past Services
Visitation
Friday May 13, 2016
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Southside Chapel
5033 Rouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 422-4000 | Directions
5033 Rouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 422-4000 | Directions
Cemetery
Saturday May 14, 2016
Additional Information:
Burial to follow the Funeral Service
Service
Saturday May 14, 2016
10:00 am
Additional Information:
Rev. Fred L. Williams officiating
Susan,
One of the hardest things a child will ever do is say goodbye to a parent and especially to your mother. For it is your mother, who through everything in your life has been there to love and support you. God only has so many angels, so he gave us mothers. And God must have needed an angel, so he called your mother home. Always remember a mother’s love will never die. It stays with you always no matter what.
Your mother now joins Ruth and Red, Coy and Jeanell, Scott Wilson, my dad and yours sitting out watching the kids ride by on bikes.
Felicia, Mom and I hope that you will draw strength from these words and that you and Tal will always remember the good times and the love your mother had for you both.
Ernestine, Felicia and David Galyean.
Susan, your mom was a beautiful lady. She touched my family in so many ways. She would always love on Kaitlyn when we went to visit “the corner” folks. She taught my son, Nicholas, the value of hard work and always doing your best. She taught Nicholas the value to being honest and how to go beyond expectations. Your mom was a good neighbor to my father, George. They were always looking out for one another. My dad goes around his house looking out the windows each night making sure everyone on “the corner” is ok. Your mother did the same thing. We loved your mother very much and her death has left a whole in our hearts and lives. We pray for peace and comfort as you face the days ahead. With love,
Delphia Bass joined Riverside Baptist church on Sept. 20, 1970 and was a loyal member for 45 years. Delphia always brought her daughter, Susan, to Sunday School and all church activities. Del was a faithful member of the Golden Circle Sunday School class, member of the WMU, ministered as a Nursery helper and Vacation Bible School Worker.
Delphia was an excellent cook and loved covered dish dinners and Sunday School class meetings. Besides many homemade casseroles and dishes, her homemade dinner rolls were famously delicious. She loved HOT coffee and got to church early to get a cup.
Del loved her family, her country, her neighborhood and her Lord Jesus. She loved to talk about her daughter, her sisters and her whole family. She loved the church and was a devoted friend to many. She always took time to listen to others triumphs and concerns. She always dressed will in matching outfits. We’ll cherish many fond memories of Delphia. We will miss her smiling face and here friendship as we worship and fellowship at Riverside
My dear friend Del,
Now you are with the Lord and at peace…….your struggle is over.
You will be fondly remembered and sorely missed. I love you!
Love,
Katherine
Susan and Tal, What a loving tribute to your beautiful mom. Delphie loved both of you deeply. As we both know, only children fill their parents hearts with unconditional love. Your mom was loved by each person in that very special corner. We were all a big family who loved, looked after, and valued each member of our “chosen family”. I just know that tonight your mom is sitting outside in heaven talking with “Other”, my Mom and Dad, Gene and all others
who went before her. I hope you will always remember that you are a very important member of our perfect corner of the world. Please come “home” to see all of us because we have always loved you and always will.
Susan, John and Jennie