Gene Vass Bass

Gene Vass Bass passed away on Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at the age of 94. Mrs. Bass was born in Hillsville, VA on May 27, 1928 to the late Oscar Edgar and Elizabeth Hurst Vass. She graduated from high school in Coalwood, WV and attended Radford College earning a BS degree in Chemistry and Minor in German and Latin. While working as a chemist, she met her future husband Thomas Bass. Gene and Tom were married January 1, 1954. She worked in research at Campbell Orthopedic Clinic in Memphis, TN, while Tom attended medical school. In 1957 Gene and Tom welcomed their daughter, Debra Bass. They moved to Clayton in 1960 to start Tom’s practice and she became the permanent office manager.

Gene was an active member of Horne Memorial United Methodist Church and was active in multiple civic groups including the Women’s Club and The Halcyon Club. She enjoyed her Thursday morning bridge club. Gene moved to the Cardinal at North Hills in 2017, at which time she made many new friends and enjoyed their company. As her health declined she was appreciative of the kind and caring caregivers from The Key as well as Transitions Hospice.

Gene is survived by her daughter, Dr. Debra Bass Harr and her husband, Dr. Charles Harr of Raleigh; a grandson, Thomas Harr of Raleigh. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Thomas R. Bass and sister, Marguerite Vass Neff.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 2:30pm at Horne Memorial United Methodist Church with the family receiving friends immediately following the service at the church. The committal service will be held on Sunday, May 7, 2023 at 4:00pm at Wilkinson Memorial Gardens in Hillsville, VA.

While flowers are accepted, memorial contributions may also be made to Horne Memorial United Methodist Church 121 E. Second St Clayton, NC 27520 or Transitions Hospice 250 Hospice Circle Raleigh, NC 27607.