Barbara Mae Bassett

Barbara was born “Bobby” Mae Roberts to Julius James and Mittie Bell Roberts on September 19, 1932 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Surrounded by her family, she entered her heavenly home on June 30, 2024. Barbara’s early education began in the 1940’s in Evanston, Illinois. Her family later settled in Washington, DC where she attended Shaw Junior High School and graduated from Margaret Murray Washington Vocational High School for Design. Mother would spend a great deal of her time sketching clothing and was an excellent seamstress. She designed her own wedding gown and homecoming dress which led her to be crowned Homecoming Queen. Her love for fashion and design allowed her to be accepted into Parsons School of Design in New York City in 1952 and was offered career opportunity in Europe as a Fashion Designer. At an early age, Barbara knew the importance of having a relationship with Christ and she accepted Him as her Lord and Savior, which began her Christian journey. In the early 1950’s she met James Theodore Bassett, Jr. and the two entered a marital union. Through this union, they were blessed with one son, James Theodore Bassett III and one daughter Bernada Ann Bassett. Also, within this union, Barbara gained bonus children who she graciously accepted as her own. Mother had a heart of gold and a desire to serve. During the 1970’s she and her family joined Goodwill Baptist Church in Washington, DC. As a dedicated member, she actively participated in various ministries including the choir and the Usher Board. In 1986, Barbara relocated to Capitol Heights, Maryland where she joined and remained a faithful member of Abyssinia Baptist Church under the leaderships of the late Rev. George E. Davis, Sr. and Rev. Dr. Robert W. Trice, Jr. Barbara continued to walk in her passion and served in several ministries such as, the Outreach Ministry, the Love Club, the Floral Club, the Greeters Ministry, the church choir, a faithful member of Noon Day Prayer, and a dedicated servant to the PG County Good News Jail and Prison Ministry. Her desire to serve beyond the church doors continued as she cared for her mother who was a resident at Carroll Manor Nursing Home. She saw this as an opportunity to share the Gospel of Christ with the residents and invited their participation in Noon Day Prayer. The success ignited Carroll Manor to dedicate transportation for the residents to Abyssinia monthly for over 10 years. Even after the passing of her mother, Barbara remained devoted to the work of Noon Day Prayer and regularly volunteered at the Nursing Home. Throughout her life, she was known as a hard worker who was reliable, responsible, and committed in all her endeavors. Ms. B’s (work name) career involved a great deal of her providing service to others. For 33 years she worked at Woodworth and Lothrop Incorporated (Woodies) as a Tape Librarian in the Computer Data Center. After retiring in the late 90’s, Barbara then went to work at Walter Reed Army Medical Center where she worked with the Wounded Warriors as the Community Recreation Division Receptionist. She enjoyed leading the warriors on trips and hearing their stories. One of her favorite events was hosting some of the remaining Tuskegee Airmen for a day. She was so honored. Barbara built a special bond with her co-workers. She made each of them feel special in her presence and loved them as family. Barbara had an exciting social life. She formed the LeJoce Devivre Social Club for Women. In the early 1970’s she joined the Order of the Eastern Star and became a member of Prince Hall, P.H.A., Eastern Star Redemption Chapter 14 of Washington, DC. This allowed her to gain lifelong friends that filled the void of being an only child. Barbara had class and beauty. She was dressed to impressed, her make-up was flawless, and was always camera ready (with a box Kodak camera). If you really knew Barbara, there was always a stack of Gospel Tracts and sweet treats for every occasion! She loved her cookies and peppermints! Barbara loved to travel. Some of her favorite stops were to Chicago and Arkansas to visit relatives. She enjoyed the presence of her family and looked forward to Sunday dinners, a legacy that has remained strong for almost 70 years. We are eternally grateful that Barbara lived 91 years. She had the opportunity to build a special bond with all her grandchildren and many of her great-grandchildren. She leaves behind to carry on her love to serve the Lord and her passion for others to her son James Theodore Bassett III (Vernetta), and her daughter Bernada Ann Bassett, (Ulysses “Chubb”). Her bonus children: Patricia, Gloria and Brenda. Seven grandchildren: Sherian Bassett, Satoriea Warren (Quentin), Robyn Bassett, Bernard Peoples, Andrew Peoples, Rashidah Harris, and A’Liyah Bassett. Bonus grandchildren: Samone, Darshae, LaTia, Aaron, Tawanna, Sylvester, Darnell, Pam, Derrick and Valerie. Eight great-grandchildren: Chloe, Zoey, Dru, Sky, Madison, Rico, Grayson and Cori. Bonus great-grandchildren: Tanaja, Niciera, Romel, Charlie, Zy’aire, Zara, Zendaya and Treasure. And a special God-daughter Carolyn Holmes.

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Barbara Mae Bassett

September 20, 1932 - June 30, 2024