Virginia Bassett Uzzell

Virginia Mae Bassett Uzzell, affectionately called Ginny, and Mawmaw, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 15, 2016 at the Greensboro home of her daughter and son-in-law at the age of 97.

Virginia was born on September 25, 1918 in Paducah, Kentucky to Etta Dalton and Thomas Stamp Bassett. As a young child they moved to Charlotte, NC where she grew up. She graduated from Charlotte Central High School and Queens College Business School. Virginia lost her first husband, Julius McRoy Sealy, Jr. in World War II. During the 1940’s she worked as secretary to the treasurer at Queens College and as a secretary at Southern Bell. Ginny met Harold Wright Uzzell, who nicknamed her Ginny and swept her off her feet, and they married in 1951.

Ginny relished being a homemaker and a beloved wife and mother as her husband’s career moved them to Columbia, SC, where their son Wright was born; Greenville, NC, where their daughter Lisa was born; then on to Richmond, Atlanta, Detroit, and finally back to Charlotte, where they lived for 40 years. She made dear friends everywhere she went, and found churches and fellowships and Bible studies to be a part of in every city. In Charlotte, she found her church home at St. Giles Presbyterian, where she enjoyed deep joy in worshipping her Lord, studying, serving and loving people.

The love and joy of her life was her family. She cherished her children and grandchildren and wanted to have us all together all the time. She created beautiful and delicious meals effortlessly and tirelessly. Holidays at Mawmaw’s house were full of love, food and beauty. The memories that were made there will be cherished as long as we live.

Ginny moved with Hal to Greensboro in 2008 to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Buster Lewis. In those last years she amazed her family with her love, kindness, thankfulness, and unfailing optimism. Every day was a beautiful day and every meal was delicious.

The most outstanding features of her life and personality were her unflagging faith and her determination to see the good in every person and every situation. She never, ever said an unkind thing about anyone. Even to the very last days of her life, when her body was failing, she said, “It’s a beautiful day.” Her last words were “thank you”. She encouraged us to always be thankful and joyful.

Those who have gone before her are her parents, Etta and Stamp Bassett; her sister, Vivian Bassett Gettys; her brothers, Tommy, James and William Bassett; her beloved husband, Hal Uzzell; and her grandson, Jeremy Black.

Left behind to cherish her in their memories are her children, Wright and Sylvia Uzzell, and Lisa and Buster Lewis; her grandchildren, Aaron Uzzell, Lauren Black, Josh Harris, Chelsea Lewis, Audrey Lewis and Travis Willse; and her brother-in-law, Gerald Uzzell. Also left behind are many loving nieces and nephews, cousins and beloved friends, and Anne Dolan, who has faithfully loved and helped care for her the past five years.

Ginny’s family would like to thank Dr. Nevill Gates, MD, who has lovingly cared for her, making countless home visits at all hours, given advice and been the best friend in the world. Nevill also cared for Hal in the last year of his life. Nevill Gates helped Hal and Ginny live out their days in their daughter’s home, with fires in the fireplace, chickens in the back yard and family all around.

The family will receive friends at a visitation at Harry & Bryant Funeral Home in Charlotte on Friday, March 18, from 5:00-7:00 pm. There will be a graveside service Saturday at 2:00 pm at Elmwood Cemetery in Charlotte, followed by a celebration of her life at St. Giles Presbyterian Church at 3:00 pm.

Memorials in Ginny’s honor may be given to St. Giles Presbyterian Church, 2027 Emerywood Drive, Charlotte, NC 28210 or www.stgilesepc.org.