TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF BROTHER CHARLES VESTER BASS
WHEREAS, On February 4, 2014, Almighty God, in His Infinite Wisdom, has called Brother Charles Vester Bass, a devoted Christian, husband and friend to all to his eternal reward; and
WHEREAS, Brother Charles Vester Bass, born in Dockery, Mississippi June 7, 1932 to the late Frank and Hattie Bell Bass, was the youngest of six children. He and his siblings, James, J.C., Harry, Sylvester and Mamie shared many childhood memories and brought laughter and joy into the Bass Family. Charles received his education at Myrtle Hall High School in Clarksdale, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, Charles accepted Christ as his personal Savior at an early age and was baptized at Mount Lathan Missionary Baptist Church where he participated joyously with the congregation. He served his country proudly in the United States Army from March 1953 to March 1955, serving proudly in the Korean War and received an Honorable Discharge; and
WHEREAS, In 1955 Charles came to Chicago seeking employment and make it his home. That same year he and Carrie, a schoolteacher, were united in marriage. They shared fifty years together with their three children, Anthony, Jacqueline and Frank; and
WHEREAS, Brother Charles, the founding member of the Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church established the first Usher Board in 1956 and served as president. He also established a musical group called the "Gospel Jubilees"; and
WHEREAS, Charles was an entrepreneur and savvy businessman who founded the B&B Fuel Oil company, four White Rose Cleaners, B&J Groceries and B&B Construction. He was a family oriented, caring and community minded man who employed family members and community residents; and
WHEREAS, Charles was a Master Cement Finisher who supervised the renovation of Buckingham Fountain and worked on the reinforcing project of several concrete wave walls at the Chicago beaches; and
WHEREAS, On December 21, 2012 Charles Vester Bass and the former Katherine Reid were united in holy matrimony. Their life's journey brought them a multitude of trails and tribulations that in turn brought them closer. Katherine's devotion and loyalty to the care of her husband was unfailing; and
WHEREAS, Charles's most enduring legacy is his family. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, friend and neighbor who enriched the lives of the young and the old; and
WHEREAS, Charles was an active and vital member of his community. He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memories, his beloved and devoted wife, Katherine; children, Anthony (Carmen), Jacqueline, Frank (Nadine), Brenda (James), Linda, Kabrina (Lacy), Daryl (Patricia); two brothers, Reverend James Bas (Helen) and Elder Harry Bass (Jessie Mae); sister, Mamie James; sisters-in-law, Barbara Bass, Eula Sanders (Edward), Velma Jordan, Mary Jordan, Nancy Jordan; brothers-in-law, Lionel Jordan and Andrew Jordan; sixteen grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; a special cousin Henry Bass, and a host of other relatives and many friends; and
WHEREAS, Brother Charles Vester Bass will be deeply missed but the memory of his character, intelligence and compassion will live on in those who knew and loved him; now, therefore,
WHEREAS, The Honorable Michelle A. Harris, Alderman of the 8th Ward, has informed this august body of the passing of this noteworthy and caring man; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City of Chicago City Council, gathered together this fifth day of March 2014 AD, do hereby express our deepest condolences to the family of Brother Charles Vester Bass.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to the family of Brother Charles Vester Bass.
Alderman - 8tn Ward
MICHELLE A. HARRIS
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