Mary Mary Belle Perry Bass Rhodes Belle (Perry) Bass Rhodes

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, James Clarence Perry and Annie Elma Muckelroy Perry; husband, Leland Carroll (L.C.) Bass; brothers, Lee Perry and Wilber Perry; sisters, Fanny Perry Patton, Annie Lou Perry Covington, and Edna Perry Justus, Louise Perry Smith.

Her survivors include her husband, J.W. Rhodes; son, Perry L. Bass; daughter, Carol Ann Bass Clifton; grandson, Derek Clifton; granddaughter, Olivia Clifton; niece, Kitty Goehers; nephew, Richard Perry; and countless extended family members and friends.

Mary grew up in the Martinsville community and Nacogdoches County. She graduated from Nacogdoches High School. After her sweetheart Carroll Bass passed away in 1972, Mary moved to Nacogdoches and attended Massey Business College. She then went to work for The Candy House as bookkeeper and ran the office for Leland House. She was a homemaker until the death of Carroll.

Mary was a devoted Southern Baptist lady. She taught Sunday School at First Baptist Church for over 50 years. Together, she and her husband Carroll built a strong foundation for their family. She lived an exemplary life.

Mary was involved in her community and church, including as a Boy Scout leader, leader of the Girl Scouts council of San Jacinto, PTA president, WMU, Old South Garden Club president, along with many other organizations. She loved being with her family, and all the reunions with lots of home cooking, then a walk with her sisters and to top the day, a 42 game.

She was a strong intelligent lady who excelled in all that she did. She was famous at First Baptist for her crafty dresses she made. I do not believe NO was in her vocabulary! She gave 110 percent to everything! She made divinity with her sisters and it always was to perfection, no matter the weather. She was also famous for her green cookie dough, which her daughter is carrying on for her.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 22, 2013, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel at 5400 North Street with Dr. Allen Reed officiating. Interment will follow at Martinsville Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Steve Crow, Dwight Whitman, Jimmy Partin, Jimmie Simms, Tip Harris, and Larry Stanaland.

Online memories and condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com.

Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.