Mary Evelyn (Spradling) Bass of Little Rock, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, October 25, 2023 after suffering a stroke three days prior. Mary was born in Hartford, Arkansas to Edgar and Raye Spradling and was one month shy of celebrating her 87th birthday.
First and foremost, in Mary’s life, was her relationship with God through Jesus Christ. She comes from a long line of godly women who poured the love of Jesus into her life. Her children and grandchildren can testify to her faithfulness to love God and love others. She had a servant’s heart and many were the recipients of her hospitality and care. She looked forward to her reunion with loved ones that had left this earth before her.
Growing up, folks knew her as Mary Evelyn, but after graduating from Hartford High School she became just Mary. She attended Ft. Smith Junior College (now UAFS) on scholarship and earned her Associate Degree in Business…the first in her family to attend college. She worked with Life of Georgia Insurance Company for seven years at their offices in Ft. Smith, Little Rock and Memphis, TN. She was working in Little Rock and living in the “Parish House” near the state Capital building when she met James Elvin Bass. Folks knew him as “Elvin” growing up, but he introduced himself to Mary as just James. She was so confused when she met his family. She wondered who Elvin was? She said it had to do with a certain famous singer at the time. Funny thing was, Mary was CRAZY about Elvis Presley, but stopped buying all his records once she met James! Two more opposites it would be hard to find, but James was a gift to Mary and Mary a gift to James, and both a gift to us all.
After starting their family, Mary went back to college at Little Rock University (now UALR) and majored in Elementary Education. Though she did not complete that degree, she later earned a CDA Associate Certificate through Arkansas Tech University and taught with Head Start Child and Family Services for 15 years. One of her greatest joys was hearing about her “Head Start Kids” doing well in school and in life. Many of her former students reached out to her through the years, and they all loved “Miss Mary.”
Always active in the churches she attended, she served as Church Secretary for a total of 15 years at Oak Cliff Baptist Church, Ft. Smith, and Hartford Baptist Church. She also wrote a weekly article for the Hartford Newspaper and served as Recorder/Treasurer for the city of Hartford. She had a flair for words, just like her mom before her.
Her children can testify that Mom could do just about anything she put her mind to. While living in Texarkana, Texas in the early 1980’s, she single-handedly set up the computer system at a moving company that she worked for. This was when computers were brand new to the work place. When she and James decided to move back to Arkansas, her boss offered to pay for the divorce if she would “please stay!” She was a woman who overcame and persevered despite many odds against her. Mary had friends located all over the country. Until the last couple of years, when Parkinsons made it difficult, she would faithfully correspond with many of them. All who knew her fell in love with her sweet smile and kind heart. Thank you to the Pairs & Spares Sunday School class at Immanuel Baptist Church, where Mary was a member. She loved her class and felt their love and care even when she was no longer able to attend in person. Thanks also to her friends and staff at The Cove (Good Shepherd Retirement). She said she hoped this would be her last move before Heaven…and it was. Special Thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and support staff who cared for Mary over the years and in her last few days at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock.
She was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, James Bass, her parents, her brother, Donald Spradling, Donald’s twin baby sister and brothers and sisters of James and their spouses.
Mary is survived by her daughter, Cheryl (Paul) Williams of Little Rock; son, Leigh (Shawn) Bass of West Fork, AR; grandchildren, Andrew (Susan) Williams, Stephen (Allie) Williams, Catherine Shepherd, Hayden Bass, Logan Bass, Jacob Bass; great-grandchildren, Evelyn Williams, Jane Williams, Eleanor Williams, Walker Williams and Gracelyn Bass; sister-in-law, Rosemary Spradling of Ft. Smith, AR; bonus granddaughter, Mika Celicourt; and a host of nieces, nephews and other “children” that she loved so much.
Two services will be held to celebrate Mary’s life, Saturday, November 4 at 11 a.m. at Hartford First Baptist Church in Hartford, AR with interment at Hartford Memorial Park under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Viewing will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the church. A celebration for Little Rock and Central Arkansas friends and family will be held 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 12 at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock.
Pallbearers will be Andrew Williams, Stephen Williams, Hayden Bass, Logan Bass, Jacob Bass, Timmy Pruitt and Andrew Stokes.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Arkansas Baptist Children and Family Ministries, 9701 W Markham St., Little Rock, AR 72205.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.
