Betty Joyce Bass, age 87, was born on March 13, 1939, and passed away on March 19, 2026, at home surrounded by her family.

Betty was born in Lumberton, NC to parents Lee Durham Britt and Sarah Addie Britt Burney. Betty lived in Robeson County until 2018 and then moved with her daughters in Elm City, NC.  Betty had a ready smile, bright blue eyes and never met a stranger.  She was loving, gentle, kind and always willing to extend a helping hand. Her work life was spent in factories, ending her career working for the Osterneck Company. Her favorite hobbies were gardening, sewing yoyo's, traveling to gospel music events with friends, and coordinating dinners for as many as would come. For many years, she maintained a card ministry at her church, and for family and friends.

Betty is survived by daughters: Susan Rhodes of Rocky Mount, NC, Charlene Smith of Elm City, NC, and Angie Sealey (Tony) and Melanie Britt (Mickey), both of Lumberton, NC, and a son, Billy Bass (Lynn). Additionally, she is survived by multiple grandchildren: Ericka Smith (Lora), Melissa Smith (Brandon), Kristen Smith, Ferrain Bass, Austin Britt (Alyssa), Allie Britt (Liston), Josh Britt (Ashley), Mary Kay Mishue (Tim), Steffanie Phillips (Brandon), Paige Sealey (Josh), Ethan Sealey (Jamie), Gabriel Sealey, Malea Rhodes (Tina), Josh Stone (Lana), Heather Stephens, and Dustin Mooring; her great-grandchildren: Hailey (Daiquan), Alexus (Jon), Brandagan (Jennifer), Abi (Charlie), Joshtyn, Myleigh, Quinton (Alyiah), Jayden, Jaylee, Gabriela, Peyton, Jace, Gatlin, Camden, Holden, Beau, Garrett, Addy, Lucas, Leah, Gage, Jayden, Logan, Dawson, Weylynn, Landon, Katelyn, Dylan, Anita Rae, Harper, Emma, and Zephyr; and her great-great-grandchildren: Ava, Wrenlee, Davis, Zach, Salah Jayden, Jr., Remmi, Nashlyn, and Nova Marie.  She is also survived by her siblings: Nancy, Louise, and Albert; her canine, Penny, and special friends: Bessie, Helen, Peggy, Sherry, Ms. Linda, and too many others to name.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George Bass, Jr., and later her longtime companion, JW Stone; a son, Tony Bass; grandchildren, Jonathan Rhodes, Shane Stone, and Alana Mooring; her parents, Lee Durham Britt and Sarah Addie Britt Burney; two brothers, Jimmy and Johnny Britt; two sons-in-law, Douglas Smith and Ted Rhodes; and longtime friend, Opal Bass.

Friends and family will gather at the home of Ericka & Lora Smith on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 2pm- floating at 1208 McArthur Street in Lumberton, NC 28358.

The family will receive friends and loved ones prior to the service on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 2:00-3:00 PM at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc., 809 E. 5th Street in Lumberton, NC. Following the visitation, a funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM with Rev. Lacy Norris and Rev. Mark Uzupan officiating.